"I can’t thank anybody but Cody Fueger": Jaxson Robinson praises Kentucky assistant for crucial role in last season's game prep

Despite the uncertainty surrounding his first roster at Kentucky, Mark Pope was sure about having one player on his lineup: Jaxson Robinson. Coming off the bench, the 6-foot-5 forward was the leading scorer for Pope’s BYU last season and was instrumental in the Cougars NCAA appearance.

However, Pope has not been the biggest influence on Robinson’s overall growth. While the coach has carved out a unique role for him in Lexington, Robinson attributes much of his ascent to assistant coach Cody Fueger.

“Huge. He was huge,” Robinson shared Fueger’s impact at the SEC Media Day. “My first year, I didn’t really have a close relationship with Fueger. But that second year, this last year, I mean, obviously I made huge strides, and I can’t thank anybody but Cody Fueger for that.”

“We spent a whole bunch of time in his office, watching film and just preparing myself for games and knowing what’s to come. I can’t be more than thankful for Coach Fueger and all that he’s done for me.”

Cody Fueger has worked on Mark Pope’s coaching staff for nearly 10 years, beginning with Pope’s stint at Utah Valley in 2015. The offensive mastermind plays a critical role in maximizing Pope’s rosters and is expected to lead his own program one day.

Fueger’s impact on Jaxson Robinson is evident in the forward’s two years with the Cougars. Robinson was a staple starter for BYU in the 2022–23 season. However, under Cody Fueger’s mentorship, Robinson posted his best college season, redefined the bench role, won the Big 12’s Sixth Man of the Year award and earned an invitation from the 2024 NBA draft combine.

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What will Jaxson Robinson’s role be at Kentucky?

Robinson withdrew early from the draft to transfer to the Wildcats. His goal is still the NBA. With that, expect him to play heavy minutes in his final college year. Moreover, with another year under Cody Fueger, Robinson can take his game to the next level.

Mark Pope already trusts the forward when it comes to offense, which could result in specific actions for Jaxson Robinson in crunch time situations. The senior also believes in Pope’s philosophies and trusts his new teammates.

“I think just because of the growth that we made in terms of who we brought to this team, we have other guys that we didn’t have at BYU that could do different stuff,” Robinson said at media day.

Jaxson Robinson displayed a part of his skillset at Kentucky’s Blue-White preseason game on Friday. The game came easy to him as he posted 15 points while making four of nine 3-pointers.