The 2024-25 Kentucky Basketball roster could soon be finalized, particularly regarding players expected to make a significant impact next season.
Kentucky still has two open scholarship spots, but one is likely to be used for a developmental project, like Jamie Vinson. The focus is on the other spot, which Kentucky hopes to fill with either Chaz Lanier or Jaxson Robinson. Lanier is expected to announce his decision this week and might choose the Tennessee Volunteers, in which case Kentucky would likely pursue Robinson aggressively.
However, Robinson is still testing the NBA Draft waters and hopes to be selected this year. If he returns to college, Kentucky would likely secure him. According to draft experts, there’s a possibility Robinson will return for his final college season. ESPN’s Jeremy Woo and Jonathan Givony’s recent mock draft did not include Robinson, suggesting he might not be drafted. CBS Sports’ Kyle Boone also recommended Robinson return to school in his analysis of significant stay-or-go decisions.
Robinson had a standout year at BYU last season, averaging a career-high 14.2 points per game and shooting 35.4% from 3-point range. With Mark Pope now coaching the Wildcats, Robinson has been linked to Kentucky. Returning to college could allow him to become an All-Conference player, though he could also aim for a late second-round NBA pick and secure a guaranteed deal.
If Robinson stays in the draft, he could be a late second-round pick, potentially earning a contract similar to former Kentucky forward Chris Livingston, who signed a four-year, $7.6 million deal with the Milwaukee Bucks. Kentucky might offer Robinson a substantial NIL package, likely at least $1 million, matching the minimum NBA salary he could earn next season.
We’ll have a definitive answer by next Wednesday at midnight, as the NCAA withdrawal deadline is May 29th at 11:59 pm ET. If Robinson returns to college, Kentucky is favored to land him, but Kansas is also expected to be a strong contender.
