In a stunning recruiting victory that sends shockwaves across the college basketball world, LSU has landed the commitment of Jimmori Robinson, a towering, agile, and dominant five-star forward ranked among the top 10 players in the nation. The 6-foot-10 phenom out of Oak Ridge High School in Orlando, Florida, officially announced his decision on Wednesday morning, choosing the LSU Tigers over a host of elite programs, including Duke, Kentucky, Kansas, Alabama, and Michigan State.
This marks a monumental win for head coach Matt McMahon and his staff, as Robinson becomes the highest-rated frontcourt recruit to commit to LSU in over a decade. The move not only bolsters the Tigers’ frontcourt but also sends a clear message that LSU basketball is surging back into national prominence.
The Commitment Heard Around the Nation
Jimmori Robinson’s recruitment had been a fierce battleground among blue bloods and SEC powers. For months, Robinson was heavily courted by a who’s who of college basketball royalty. Kentucky hosted him for an official visit in March, while Duke made a last-ditch effort in June. Alabama and Florida State were considered strong contenders due to proximity and program familiarity.
Yet, when it came time to make the call, Robinson stunned many by choosing LSU.
“LSU felt like home,” Robinson said during his televised commitment announcement. “They believe in me not just as a player, but as a person. I want to be part of something special, to help build a championship culture in Baton Rouge.”
For LSU fans, that statement hit home. After a few seasons of rebuilding and modest tournament success, the Tigers just landed a centerpiece that could redefine the program.
Who is Jimmori Robinson?
At 6-foot-10 and 235 pounds, Jimmori Robinson is the kind of hybrid big man that NBA scouts drool over. Ranked No. 8 nationally by 247Sports, Robinson blends size, athleticism, and a high basketball IQ with the kind of intensity and leadership rarely seen in high school prospects.
He averaged 22.3 points, 11.4 rebounds, and 3.1 blocks per game during his junior season at Oak Ridge, helping lead his team to the Florida 7A state semifinals. His highlight reels showcase an explosive vertical leap, polished post moves, rim protection, and a growing ability to stretch the floor with a reliable 15–18 foot jumper.
What separates Robinson, though, is his versatility. He can guard all five positions, handle the ball in transition, and serve as a vocal leader on both ends of the floor. Scouts have called him “a mix between Chris Bosh and Bam Adebayo.”
“Jimmori has the tools to be a one-and-done NBA lottery pick,” said ESPN recruiting analyst Paul Biancardi. “He’s that talented, and his decision to go to LSU shows how much confidence he has in that coaching staff.”
Why LSU?
Robinson’s decision to pick LSU over perennial Final Four contenders wasn’t just about basketball. According to those close to his recruitment, it came down to three critical factors:
1. Player Development
LSU assistant coach Ronnie Hamilton was instrumental in Robinson’s recruitment. Hamilton, who has a strong reputation for developing big men, laid out a personalized development plan that resonated with Robinson and his family.
“They showed me how they’d use me like an NBA forward—not just stuck in the post,” Robinson said. “Coach Hamilton and Coach McMahon see me as a playmaker.”
2. Immediate Impact
While programs like Kentucky and Duke offered prestige, LSU offered opportunity. Robinson is expected to start from Day 1 and be a centerpiece of the offense. With several veteran players departing, LSU presented a path to early stardom.
“They made it clear I’d be the guy,” Robinson said. “I want that pressure.”
3. NIL and Personal Branding
While specifics of his NIL deal have not been publicly disclosed, sources say LSU offered a “competitive and comprehensive NIL structure” that included regional endorsements, community partnerships, and long-term brand building.
Ripple Effect: LSU’s 2025 Recruiting Class is Now Elite
With Robinson’s commitment, LSU now boasts one of the top three recruiting classes in the nation for 2025. He joins four-star point guard Marquis Green and dynamic shooting guard Tyrell Chambers, forming a trio that rivals any group in college basketball.
Insiders say the commitment could lead to a domino effect. Robinson is reportedly close friends with fellow five-star wing Dameon Sellers, who has LSU in his top four. If Sellers follows suit, LSU could land its first No. 1 recruiting class since the early 2000s.
“Jimmori choosing LSU changes everything,” said Rivals recruiting writer Travis Branham. “Top players are going to take a second look at Baton Rouge.”
How Does Robinson Fit Into LSU’s System?
Coach McMahon runs a modern, up-tempo offense predicated on spacing, pace, and interchangeable players—perfect for Robinson’s style of play. Expect Robinson to be used in high pick-and-rolls, elbow touches, and as a short-roll playmaker.
Defensively, Robinson gives LSU something they’ve lacked: a true anchor. He can defend the rim, switch onto guards, and clean the glass—all while playing without fouling.
“He’s going to be the face of our program,” McMahon said in a post-commitment press release. “Jimmori is a game-changer.”
A Statement to the SEC
The SEC has long been dominated by Kentucky, Tennessee, and more recently, Alabama. But with this commitment, LSU plants its flag firmly in the national conversation.
Robinson’s arrival gives LSU arguably the most talented frontcourt in the conference and the kind of star power needed to compete for an SEC title. With the transfer portal supplementing depth and experience, LSU could be a top-10 team nationally by the start of the 2025–26 season.
And perhaps more importantly—it signals to future recruits that LSU is open for business at the highest level.
What NBA Scouts Are Saying
NBA personnel are already monitoring Robinson closely. Several scouts attended the Nike EYBL Peach Jam this summer where Robinson averaged 19.5 points and 10.7 rebounds.
“He’s got everything you look for in a modern four or five,” one Western Conference scout said. “If he polishes the jumper and tightens his handle, you’re looking at a top-five pick.”
Robinson’s Message to LSU Fans
Shortly after his commitment, Robinson posted a message to LSU fans on social media:
“Tiger Nation, I’m all in. I’m coming to Baton Rouge to win games, win championships, and leave a legacy. Let’s build something unforgettable.”
The post garnered over 150,000 likes in just a few hours, with LSU fans flooding the comments with purple and gold hearts, tiger emojis, and celebratory GIFs.
Final Thoughts: A Program-Defining Moment
Jimmori Robinson’s commitment is more than a recruiting win—it’s a program-defining moment for LSU basketball.
In a college basketball landscape increasingly driven by NIL, instant impact, and branding, LSU managed to align all those elements and secure a generational talent. It’s a sign that the Tigers are no longer content with being a middle-of-the-pack SEC team. They’re aiming for Final Fours, championships, and NBA draft nights filled with purple and gold suits.
With Robinson set to arrive in Baton Rouge next summer, excitement is already brewing.
LSU is no longer just a football school. Basketball is back—and bigger than ever.
Fast Facts: Jimmori Robinson
- Height/Weight: 6’10”, 235 lbs
- Position: Power Forward / Center
- High School: Oak Ridge (Orlando, FL)
- National Ranking: No. 8 overall (247Sports), No. 2 PF nationally
- Notable Offers: Duke, Kentucky, Alabama, Michigan State, Kansas
- AAU Team: Florida Rebels
- Player Comparison: Bam Adebayo meets Chris Bosh
- Expected Role: Day-one starter at LSU, potential SEC Freshman of the Year
- Draft Projection: 2026 NBA Draft Lottery Pick
