Kentucky’s Denzel Aberdeen enters transfer portal, but there’s a catch

Kentucky Wildcats guard Denzel Aberdeen has entered the NCAA transfer portal, but his situation includes a thorny eligibility complication. Aberdeen, who has already completed four collegiate seasons, is seeking a fifth year, which would require an NCAA waiver for the 2026-27 campaign, as On3’s Pete Nakos reported Monday night.

Aberdeen’s college career began in the 2022-23 season with the Florida Gators, where he saw limited action as a freshman, appearing in 12 games for just 41 total minutes. Over three seasons at Florida, his role steadily expanded, peaking in a game-changing bench contribution during the Gators’ 2025 national championship run. In that title-winning season, he averaged 7.7 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 1.4 assists across 39 games, including five starts.

After transferring to Kentucky, Aberdeen took on a much larger role under head coach Mark Pope. During his only season in Lexington, he appeared in 36 games and averaged 13.5 points, 3.4 assists, 2.5 rebounds, and 1.3 turnovers over 30.6 minutes per contest, while shooting 43.3% from the field and a career-best 36.3% from three-point range.

His responsibilities further increased due to a season-long injury to point guard Jaland Lowe, forcing Aberdeen into a primary ball-handling role. In 18 SEC games as the starting point guard, he recorded 13.8 points and 3.7 assists per game with just 1.2 turnovers in 32.3 minutes.

Throughout his career, Aberdeen has played 119 games. His waiver case may hinge partly on his limited usage as a freshman. However, the Wildcats are not expected to plan around his availability next season. A potential reunion could be considered if eligibility is granted, particularly given roster uncertainties, including the status of players like Dedan Thomas Jr..

For now, Aberdeen’s future depends entirely on the NCAA’s decision.

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