After a Sweet 16 appearance this past season, Mark Pope’s Kentucky Wildcats are setting up for another run in the NCAA Tournament in 2026. Similar to 2024-25, they are hopeful the transfer portal will bring great results.
Denzel Aberdeen Is An X-Factor For Kentucky
The Wildcats added Florida Gators guard Aberdeen to help bolster the backcourt. Coach Pope expects his new guard to have a “breakout season.”
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Coach Pope’s 1st season as head coach (at his alma mater) showed some promise – next year, however, the Wildcats are looking to re-enter the field as legitimate championship contenders.
Though the Wildcats finished at 24-12, they were an underrated (tournament) three-seed who played very well before eventually falling to Tennessee.
Along with Arizona State transfer Jayden Quaintance, a vital addition to the team is Aberdeen, who was used as a sort of “utility” guard for the national champions a year ago.
In his new surroundings, Coach Pope has high hopes for Aberdeen – he praised his team-first mentality and ability to stand out in Florida’s talented, four-guard rotation.
Aberdeen’s competitiveness, slashing skills, and experience will in perfectly with a Kentucky squad that could also return standout guard Otega Oweh next year (currently testing the NBA Draft waters).
Aberdeen Can Contribute As A Starter Or Bench Player
Since Aberdeen came off the bench with the Gators, it’s natural to assume he will play a similar role with Kentucky, especially if Oweh returns. Either way, expect him to receive an uptick in the scoring column under Pope.
Aberdeen’s proven his ability to get buckets in short stretches, which will be needed off the bench in 2026. He works best as a driver. but is steadily rounding out his outside shot. With a potential minutes increase, Aberdeen’s scoring production should reflect it.
In the National Championship game versus Houston, he scored seven points, including two key free throws down the stretch to help clinch the title. If he keeps developing on an upward track, Aberdeen could definitely average 10 points per game (or more) for Kentucky.
KEEP READING: 2025 Men’s College Basketball Transfer Portal Tracker
Kentucky’s roster is starting to round out as the offseason continues. The addition of Aberdeen is certainly a step in right direction.
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