Jasmine Robinson is turning the sophomore slump theory on its head.
The second-year, standout guard is leading the Tide in points per game and spearheading a youth renaissance for the women’s basketball team.
“Jasmine [Robinson] has probably been our most consistent player in the last few basketball games,” head coach Wendell Hudson said after the team knocked off previously undefeated Kansas. “She is so versatile. She can move the basketball. You think she’s not as quick as she is, but she can get by you.”
Robinson did not see as much playing time last season; however, she started seven games and was named SEC Freshman of the Week. This year, she is the team’s leading scorer, averaging almost 12 points a game.
Robinson says following behind leaders such as Tierney Jenkins has improved her leadership skills and attitude on the court.
“I feel like I’m more aggressive,” Robinson said. “Last year, I didn’t have as many leadership skills because we had Tierney Jenkins on our team. She kind of helped guide me to be where I am today. My ability on the court and how I am leading my team and doing whatever I can to get the job done [has improved]. My leadership skills, the way I’m playing and how I’m scoring is a major difference from last year to this year.”
Robinson is a native of Memphis, Tenn. Before enrolling at UA as an exercise and sport science major, she was a key member of the Overton High School women’s basketball team, leading them to the state tournament for the first time in more than 40 years. Robinson was named to the All-State team twice along the way.
“We started watching Jasmine from the start,” Hudson said when Robinson first signed with Alabama. “We decided she was really the type of player we’d like to have in our program. Coach Evans established a relationship with her early on and did a great job maintaining that. She really understands how to go to the basket and has that toughness we are so big on. She’s another player that has the ability to make everyone around her play better.”
“The coaches were genuine,” Robinson said. “I felt like this was the place for me because I’ve been in the type of situation that this program has been in [when I was in high school]…we have everyone here to fill in the puzzle so we can win and rebuild this program.”
Alabama has a 10-10 record and is currently winless in Southeastern Conference play. The Tide’s next game will be a conference matchup against Tennessee in Foster Auditorium.
The team’s SEC game troubles are no secret, and Robinson says she’s here to help the Tide get through it.
“The little things are the major key because we haven’t played a complete game yet,” she said. “I feel like once we play a complete game, and everyone gets on the same page and starts playing hard like we were in the beginning, then we’ll be fine.”
Robinson was a part of a noted freshman class that was ranked ninth nationally by ESPN and HoopGurlz. The team has made improvements over the last two years, and things will more than likely continue to go up from here.
