Florida Gators guard Denzel Aberdeen has surprised fans by announcing his decision to enter the NCAA Transfer Portal. The 6’5” junior, a key contributor to Florida’s last season National Championship campaign, parted with Gainesville with one year of eligibility left. Aberdeen had a total average of 7.7 points per game last season.
Regardless of being slated to start for the defending champions in the next season under the tutelage of coach Todd Golden, Aberdeen’s departure has raised speculation about his next move. Sources confirm that Golden had assured him a starting role since earlier this year, and his transfer is parallel to playing time or the arrival of Xaivian Lee, his new teammate.
Top 5 Landing Spots For the Florida Guard
With the transfer portal closing on April 22, 2025, and over 1,729 players in the portal as of early April, as reported by CBS Sports, Aberdeen is a hot pick. Here are five potential teams that could land the Orlando native as he looks to maximize his final year of eligibility.
NEWS: Florida guard Denzel Aberdeen plans to enter the transfer portal, source told @On3sports.
The 6-5 junior scored 22 points on South Carolina and 20 points on Mississippi State earlier this season. Played an underrated role in the Gators winning a National Championship.… pic.twitter.com/gdkZ2JH282
— Joe Tipton (@TiptonEdits) April 18, 2025
1. UConn Huskies
The UConn Huskies, a perennial powerhouse, could be an ideal fit for Aberdeen. Having finished last season as the national runner-up to Florida, as noted in Bleacher Report’s early rankings, UConn is confident in adding players to the roster for another title run. At the same time, the Huskies are expected to return key pieces like Braylon Mullins and Tarris Reed Jr., a double-double threat, including Dayton transfer Malachi Smith for point guard depth.
2. Texas Tech Red Raiders
The team has appeared to be a serious contender for the coming season, climbing 19 spots to No. 3 in ESPN’s way-too-early rankings. The preseason All-American JT Toppin’s return, combined with the addition of players like LeJuan Watts (Washington State) and Donovan Atwell (UNC Greensboro), projects the Red Raiders as a team on the rise under the tutelage of coach Grant McCasland.
Aberdeen’s scoring ability and experience in high-stakes games would fill a need in Texas Tech’s backcourt, especially after losing key guards.
3. BYU Cougars
This is another program making moves, moving 10 spots to No. 10 in ESPN’s early rankings. The team is set to welcome No. 1 recruit A.J. Dybantsa and Baylor transfer Robert Wright III, creating an effective offensive trio with wing Richie Saunders. The Coach system prioritized explosive guard play, which, in a way, goes with Aberdeen’s ability.
Aberdeen’s ability to find his shot and score in transition, highlighted by his 13.5 minutes per game last season, would thrive in BYU’s up-tempo style.
4. Ohio State Buckeyes
Ohio State is quietly building a roster for the next season, as evident in ESPN’s early rankings. Four returning starters, including star point guard Bruce Thornton, and transfer additions like Brandon Noel (Wright State) and Christoph Tilly (Santa Clara).
Aberdeen’s championship exposure and scoring ability would be an excellent advantage for Ohio State’s backcourt depth, as the team looks to replace its lone departing senior. His ability to play both on and off the ball would be a great fit, and he would pair well with Thornton, one of the nation’s top point guards
5. Baylor Bears
The team, another Big 12 program, is a dark horse in the race for Aberdeen. The Bears have already added Oregon State transfer Michael Rataj, a 6’9” forward who dropped 29 points on Gonzaga last season.
KEEP READING: Myles Che Transfer Portal: Top 5 Landing Spots for UC Irvine’s Guard
Coach Scott Drew’s system thrives on versatile guards who can score and defend, making Aberdeen a natural fit.
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