Jerzy Robinson, the No. 3 girls’ high school basketball recruit in the ESPN 2026 HoopGurlz rankings, recently added a significant milestone to her young career: signing an NIL deal with Nike.
The sports brand announced Robinson’s addition to its roster on Nov. 14 along with fellow high school standouts Jazzy Davidson and AJ Dybantsa and two Rutgers University freshmen, forward Ace Bailey and guard Dylan Harper, cementing her status as one of the sport’s rising stars.
For Robinson, signing with Nike opens doors to new opportunities, from promoting products on social media to starring in commercials and appearing at events. In a statement to Andscape, the company said, “Nike’s NIL roster represents a movement transforming the landscape of women’s sports. These athletes embody exceptional talent and inspire the next generation.”
Robinson began her ascent as one of the most popular names in women’s basketball at age 13 through viral on-court moments showcased on multiple social media platforms. She put up strong numbers at national AAU tournaments and was a high-producing mainstay for USA basketball. She was named the FIBA under-17 women’s World Cup MVP in July and won gold in the FIBA under-16 Americas championship MVP in 2023, averaging 17.3 points and 10.2 rebounds. And she’s expanded her reach through platforms such as Overtime Select, where she co-created a team and became its captain.
“I always look forward to those things after a long high school season with structure,” Robinson said. “I really just enjoy being able to hoop like I’m at the park in front of your friends and family. It’s fun, I get to show my personality and hoop while doing what I love. It’s a great time because there’s a lot of media and eyes on you while you’re in your natural element.”
Robinson transferred from Desert Vista High School in Phoenix, where she averaged 22 points and eight rebounds as a freshman, to Sierra Canyon High School in Chatsworth, California. Since transferring, she’s maintained her momentum by averaging 22.5 points and 8.2 rebounds.
Robinson’s faith plays a central role in her life and success. She credits her religion and family for keeping her grounded. “My family sacrifices everything for me,” Robinson said. “Their support allows me to pursue my dreams while staying true to my values.”
Besides the unlimited athletic apparel available to Robinson, she is particularly excited about how Nike has pushed her to take some fashion risks.
“I love getting styled for fashion weeks,” Robinson said. “At fashion week, you can try different looks, you get the chance to completely shock the world and show a completely different side of you.”
She wore new look at Los Angeles Fashion Week in October: a leather jacket, bralette, and skirt. “You don’t normally see me in a skirt,” Robinson said, laughing. “But I’m open to trying new things and expressing myself through style.
“At first it was cargo pants and the top and then we went through more outfits and we came back around to the skirt. It was a bit cold and the team asked me was I OK wearing the outfit. I said, ‘Yeah, of course, absolutely, I’m fine with trying new things.’ I wore the outfit and it was great. It was definitely an uncommon outfit to see me in.”
Robinson does not get starstruck, but as a former track athlete, she lit up as she described meeting track and field high jumper Vashti Cunningham and Olympic bronze medal sprinter Melissa Jefferson at New York Fashion Week in September. But in her typical laid-back fashion, she referred to the medaling duo by their first names.
“I got to meet Vashti and Melissa,” she said. “I was locked-in just like the rest of the world when it comes to track at the Olympics.”
Robinson’s NIL deal also connects her to other Nike athletes, including women’s basketball stars top projected 2025 WNBA draft pick Paige Bueckers of UConn, USC guard JuJu Watkins, Las Vegas Aces center A’ja Wilson, Phoenix Mercury guard Diana Taurasi and Dallas Wings guard Arike Ogunbowale.
“When it comes to Nike, it’s a group of people who share the same sacrifices and hard work,” Robinson said. “It’s exciting to be part of this family. We’ve all put in the same hard work and have been recognized for that.
“You feel a different connection to those people. Jazzy and I have played on different teams together and now we are linked and bonded through Nike.”
She doesn’t take the support of a sportswear giant for granted. “I understand that it’s a big game,” Robinson said. “It’s a big platform, they are setting up the stage and setting the tone for me to come in and be a part of it all. It’s exciting. It’s extra motivation and it’s exciting to be a part of it and to know that I can make a name for myself within it.”
Despite the buzz surrounding her budding career, Robinson remains focused on setting an example for her 11-year-old brother Tru. The siblings share a close bond. He follows her every move and is never too far away from any action. Through her accomplishments, she wants her brother to see that his opportunity to have a similar experience is coming soon.
“I’m just the trial run,” Robinson said. “I’m going to go down these paths and see what’s good and what’s bad and that will set him up. When I get boxes of stuff, he’s always like, ‘Dang, Jerz.’ We’re actually wearing the same shoe size right now so, he’s seeing the shoes that are coming in, too. I give him shoes every now and then. I think it’s inspiring. He’s ready to experience some of what I am experiencing.”
Robinson hopes to inspire the next generation. Her message is: “Believe in yourself, but that belief comes from something bigger. For me, it’s Jesus Christ. Align your hard work with faith, and you can achieve anything.”
