Denzel Aberdeen, a 6-foot-5 guard from Orlando, Florida, has officially committed to the University of Kentucky’s men’s basketball team. The announcement was made public on April 18, 2025, following his entry into the transfer portal earlier that week.
Aberdeen spent the past three seasons with the Florida Gators, contributing significantly to their 2025 NCAA Championship victory. In the championship game, he scored seven points and grabbed two rebounds in Florida’s narrow 65β63 win over Houston .
During the 2024β25 season, Aberdeen averaged 7.7 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game, shooting 41.5% from the field and 35% from three-point range. He played a pivotal role in Florida’s national championship run, including a standout performance with 22 points in a victory over South Carolina . His versatility allowed him to play multiple positions, including point guard, shooting guard, and small forward.
At Kentucky, Aberdeen is expected to bolster the Wildcats’ backcourt with his scoring ability, playmaking skills, and strong defense. His addition fills the Wildcats’ 13 scholarship spots for the 2025β26 season, assuming no changes with NBA Draft prospects or potential transfers .β
Head coach Mark Pope has been active in the transfer portal, adding several key players to the roster. In addition to Aberdeen, the Wildcats have secured commitments from Jayden Quaintance (Arizona State), Mo Dioubate (Alabama), Jaland Lowe (Pittsburgh), and Kam Williams (Tulane). International recruit Andrija Jelavic and local talents Jasper Johnson and Malachi Moreno also bolster the roster .β
Aberdeen’s decision to transfer to Kentucky has been met with enthusiasm from fans and analysts alike. Many view his championship experience and skill set as valuable assets to the Wildcats’ pursuit of success in the upcoming season. With a promising roster in place, Kentucky aims to build upon its recent achievements and contend for another national title.β
