BYU Basketball: Trevin Knell injury highlights importance of Jaxson Robinson

Jaxson Robinson struggled to get a sizeable role in the SEC so far in his career. Now with BYU Basketball, he has a chance to have a big impact.

Last season, BYU Basketball was carried by its starting backcourt of Alex Barcello and Te’Jon Lucas. They combined for nearly 20 ppg and 8.0 apg and were the lone double-digit scorers on offense. Both are gone, with a bunch of newcomers looking to replace that production.

The key name is Coastal Carolina transfer Rudi Williams, who averaged over 14 ppg on efficient shooting splits. He’s the expected starting point guard but the rest of the minutes are up for grabs. The Cougars have a trio of guards coming off two-year missions (Dallin Hall, Richie Saunders, Tanner Toolson) but barring one having a big breakout season, all will likely have growing pains as true freshmen.

There also are a pair of returning guards in Spencer Johnson and Trevin Knell, a pair of juniors that averaged 5.8 ppg and 6.4 ppg respectively. Both are known for their shooting, including Knell, who shot 36% from deep and also started 18 games for the team last season. The 6’3 guard had a chance to start next to Williams but unfortunately, he’s out of action for the next few months.

A torn rotator cuff will have the veteran shooter out until at least WCC play in January and potentially longer. For a team will little continuity as is, it’s a blow to the team. It also leaves the two-spot open but look for one more newcomer to have a leg-up that hasn’t been mentioned.

Jaxson Robinson was a quiet pickup in the transfer portal this offseason, coming from Arkansas after playing just 16 games at around 10 mpg. The former top-100 prospect started his career at Texas A&M and had similar results. While he didn’t work out at the SEC level, the third-year guard still has plenty of potential as a 6’7 shooting guard with size and athleticism. Robinson also is a willing three-point shooter, with over 80% of his career attempts coming beyond the arc.

BYU doesn’t get many athletes like Robinson and he’ll be an upgrade defensively on the perimeter alongside Williams. If he can become a double-digit scorer as well, the team will be in a good position for not only this upcoming season but also in the future in the Big 12 since Robinson is the kind of athlete the team needs at that level.

The Cougars will miss Knell’s shooting ability while he’s out but giving Jaxson Robinson more minutes is the best thing for them short and long-term. Wiliams may be the most important transfer and forward Fousseyni Traore likely is their best player but the biggest “x-factor” will be the SEC transfer Robinson.