FAYETTEVILLE — It appeared for the longest time that former Ada, Okla., prep star Jaxson Robinson and Arkansas were destined to end up together, but he reclassified in May 2020 and signed with Texas A&M.
Almost one year after that decision and two years after being offered by Arkansas, Robinson and the Razorbacks finally made a connection Tuesday.
Robinson (6-7, 195 pounds) announced he is transferring to Arkansas over Oklahoma, Oregon, Ohio State and Penn State and others.
“After being in the (transfer) portal for some time and getting to know most of the schools, I just felt the most comfortable with Arkansas,” Robinson said. “I have been on campus plenty of times before the pandemic hit and all this crazy stuff.
“It was good just to catch back up with Muss, see where his head was and get excited about him recruiting me again.”
Robinson averaged 15.4 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.5 assists as a junior at Ada High School. He was tabbed a 4-star prospect and the 67th-best player nationally overall in the 2020 class by 247Sports' composite rankings.
After making his third unofficial trip to Arkansas, Robinson decided to skip his senior season and head to college, announcing on May 6, 2020, he would play at Texas A&M.
Arkansas coach Eric Musselman, who led the Razorbacks to the NCAA Tournament's Elite Eight last season, is relishing the chance to add Robinson to the roster.
“We are extremely excited about Jaxson joining our program,” Musselman said. “Jaxson was high on our recruiting list while he was in high school and many Power 5 schools went after Jaxson once he entered the transfer portal. He has tremendous upside and potential. He has deep range and is a knockdown shooter. We feel as though he will really fit in well with the other players on the roster.”
Robinson averaged 2.1 points and 1.1 rebounds in 14 games for the Aggies as a freshman. He started four times for a program that was ravaged by covid-19 cancelations and experienced extended absences from practice and games.
Robinson said he needed a fresh start and looked quickly at an Arkansas program he likely would have signed with had he not skipped his final high school season.
“I’m blessed for Coach Musselman and the staff to bring me in after I didn’t pick them the first time,” Robinson said. “I am really happy to be here and excited to get to know every one on staff and all the players so I’m just feeling really good about everything.”
Robinson took notice of the success that Arkansas had last season.
“It was really great and entertaining watching Coach Muss develop and bring all those guys along, especially in the postseason and they had their run to the Elite Eight,” Robinson said. “it was impressive and I was drawn to it.”
Robinson will join transfers Stanley Umede (South Dakota), Au’Diese Toney (Pittsburgh), Chris Lykes (Miami) and Kamani Johnson (Arkansas-Little Rock), and incoming freshman Chance Moore as new additions to the Razorbacks' 2021-22 roster.
Robinson expects great competition and success at Arkansas.
“(Musselman) said nothing is given and everything is earned, which is expected, but he said he needs a shooter and that is where I come in,” Robinson said. “We haven’t talked too much about it, but I am sure it will be playing shooting guard and small forward. I know there is going to be a lot of talent and a great team.”