Kentucky supporters believed Denzel Aberdeen was finished with his college basketball career after his senior season in Lexington ended, but he has transferred to another school after entering the transfer portal last week. According to CBS Sports’ Jon Rothstein, Aberdeen has committed to Todd Golden and the Florida Gators.
After one season in Lexington, Aberdeen is seeking to return home to play for the Gators, where he spent his first three seasons, including being a vital sixth man during their National Championship run in 2025. This past season, Aberdeen was forced to take on a special position after Jaland Lowe’s injury, as he took over point guard duties. As the season progressed, he grew more comfortable there, averaging 13. 5 points, 3. 4 assists, and 2. 5 rebounds per game while shooting 43. 3% overall and 36. 3% from three-point range.
Now, he will compete for another year of qualifying because he has utilized his four years. He might argue that his freshman season, when he only played in 12 games, should count toward another year, or he might use the new NCAA regulation as leverage, albeit it may not take effect until after the next season begins. Regardless, he is returning home, where he played the first three seasons of his college career. Following Kentucky’s season-ending defeat to Iowa State in the NCAA Tournament, Aberdeen reflected on his tenure in Lexington.
First and foremost, I’d like to thank BBN, Coach Mark Pope, my men, Otega, and all of my teammates for giving me the opportunity to set foot at the University of Kentucky, according to Aberdeen. From the time I arrived on campus, everyone greeted me with warm hugs, was nice to me, and treated me like family, so I’d like to express my gratitude. We did not reach our goal today, but I am extremely proud of each and every one of my teammates, my coaches, and the BBN for allowing me to be here. I am eternally grateful for them.
It is not certain that Aberdeen will be able to play college basketball again, but he is trying, and it appears like he will return to Florida with Todd Golden if declared eligible.
