"For my baby to be nominated with these greats": Jerzy Robinson’s mom celebrates her national nomination with WNBA stars A'ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart

Jerzy Robinson, a 16-year-old basketball prodigy, has been named a nominee for USA Basketball's 5-on-5 Female Athlete of the Year. The announcement, made Saturday, places Robinson alongside WNBA stars like A'ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, Diana Taurasi and South Carolina standout Joyce Edwards.

Robinson, a standout guard, earned MVP honors at the FIBA U17 Women's Basketball World Cup earlier this year, leading Team USA to a gold medal.

USA Basketball shared the nominees on Instagram with the caption:

“Who's getting your votes for the 2024 USA Basketball 5-on-5 Female Athlete of the Year?”

Fans flooded the comment section to share their view on the most deserving candidate. Robinson's mother, Taryn Uperesa, jumped into the discussion to support her daughter.

“Jerzy!!! For my baby to be nominated with these greats at 16 years old... I'm picking her!!” she commented.

usabasketball via Instagram

But for many fans, the Las Vegas Aces center, A’ja Wilson, was the favorite.

“A'ja without a second thought,” a fan said.

“Very polite of them to nominate anyone else, but we all know it's A'ja,” another fan wrote.

Despite an overwhelming number of AJ supporters, some fans also rooted for the young basketball prodigy Jerzy Robinson.

"Yes!! so proud of her!! What an honor!! Voting for her too!! Love you guys."

Another admirer of the Sierra Canyon standout added:

"Jerzy Robinson is my pick too."

usabasketball via Instagram

A fan supported Breanna Stewart.

“AJ didn't win the championship, but Brenna Stewart did, so BT should be the winner.”

Can Jerzy Robinson win the prestigious award?

Jerzy Robinson might be young, but she has shown potential, making her a top candidate. During the 2024 FIBA Under-17 Women's Americas Championship, she averaged 20.9 points and 6.9 rebounds per game, earning the tournament MVP honor.

The 6-foot-1 center also scored a stunning performance during her freshman year at Sierra Canyon High School, averaging 22.0 ppg and 8.2 rpg.

Meanwhile, for the first time, USA Basketball has allowed fans to actively participate in the process via the voting system. Voting will remain open till Jan. 5, 2025.

Besides the female category, the award also includes a male category, which has a star-studded list of nominees: Stephen Curry, LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Mikel Brown Jr. and AJ Dybantsa.

With her impressive stats and ability to shine on national and international stages, Jerzy Robinson has a strong case for clinching the award. Her fans will undoubtedly hope she wins it and makes history.