Former Florida guard Denzel Aberdeen has announced his commitment to Kentucky after three seasons with the Gators. During the last season, he made 39 appearances, averaging 7.7 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 1.4 assists in 19.7 minutes per game. Aberdeen played a key role in Florida’s national championship run, notably scoring 12 points in the Sweet Sixteen against Maryland. His best performance came with 22 points against South Carolina. As Kentucky welcomes him, head coach Mark Pope aims to improve upon last season’s 24-12 record, adding Aberdeen as the fifth transfer to the program.
Former Florida guard Denzel Aberdeen has announced his commitment to Kentucky through the NCAA Transfer Portal, according to Joe Tipton of On3. He played for the Gators for three seasons.
This past season, Aberdeen participated in 39 games and made five starts, averaging 7.7 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 1.4 assists over 19.7 minutes per game. The 6-foot-5 guard recorded a shooting percentage of 41.8% from the floor and 35.0% from three-point range.
Aberdeen played a crucial role in Florida’s national championship campaign. In the Gators’ win against Maryland (87-71) during the Sweet Sixteen, he scored 12 points on 5-of-7 shooting. He contributed seven points and two rebounds in 18 minutes during the National Championship game.
His standout game of the season came on February 15 in Florida’s victory over South Carolina, where he exploded for 22 points, two rebounds, and three assists, hitting 5-of-7 from long distance.
During his first two seasons at Florida, Aberdeen had a lesser role, particularly as a freshman, where he averaged just 3.4 minutes per game. Now, he aims to shine in Lexington, Kentucky.
Denzel Aberdeen previously played high school basketball at Dr. Phillips in Florida, where he was regarded as a three-star recruit. In the 2022 recruiting cycle, he was ranked as the No. 142 overall player and No. 21 combo guard, based on the On3 Industry Ranking, which averages rankings from all four major recruiting outlets.
Aberdeen is ranked as the No. 77 overall player and No. 4 combo guard in the On3’s 2025 Transfer Portal Player Rankings. He is the fifth player that Kentucky has added through the NCAA Transfer Portal this offseason, joining notable names like Mouhamed Dioubate from Alabama and Jayden Quaintance from Arizona State.
The Wildcats are actively rebuilding this offseason after the graduation of seven seniors from last year’s roster. Nevertheless, head coach Mark Pope generated significant momentum in his inaugural year at Kentucky.
Kentucky put together a record of 24-12 overall and 10-8 in conference play, defeating Troy and Illinois in the NCAA Tournament before being eliminated by Tennessee in the Sweet Sixteen. With the addition of transfers like Aberdeen, Pope aims to propel Kentucky forward next season.
For the latest updates on player transfers, check out On3’s Transfer Portal wire.
The On3 Transfer Portal Instagram account and Twitter account are fantastic sources to stay informed about the latest player movements.