While weighing his own NBA Draft decision, Florida’s Alex Condon was caught off guard by surprising news: his teammate of the past two seasons, Denzel Aberdeen, was leaving the national champion Gators to join SEC rival Kentucky.
“It was definitely unexpected,” Condon told the Herald-Leader from the NBA Combine in Chicago. “I thought he’d be back as our starting point guard. But things happen for a reason, and I wish him the best. He’s like a brother to me we won a national title together, and that’s something special.”
Former Kentucky player Koby Brea echoed the surprise not that Coach Mark Pope valued Aberdeen, but that he actually managed to bring in such a key player from the reigning champions.
“I was shocked,” Brea said. “Coach Pope spoke highly of him even when we played Florida. So now to see him at Kentucky, it’s a big deal.”
Aberdeen, who played three years under Florida coach Todd Golden, averaged 7.7 points in nearly 20 minutes per game last season. He contributed consistently during Florida’s NCAA Tournament run, including seven points in the title game win over Houston. Though he mostly came off the bench, he was expected to start next season and help the Gators push for another Final Four appearance.
Instead, Aberdeen chose to transfer likely influenced by better NIL opportunities. While specifics around compensation aren’t public, it’s well known in college basketball that NIL played a role in his decision.
“I wasn’t surprised,” said Florida guard Alijah Martin, who has completed his college eligibility. “College hoops is a business now. Everyone’s their own CEO. You have to make the best move for you. I respect it.”
Walter Clayton Jr., the Final Four MVP and another former Gator, shared a similar view. “Zell’s my guy. I support him. He made the best decision for himself.”
All three former teammates spoke highly of Aberdeen’s character and potential impact at Kentucky.
“He’s a great teammate, super selfless, a hard worker, and coachable,” Martin said. “He’ll do well at Kentucky.”
Aberdeen’s playing time increased late last season, starting five SEC games and averaging 14.4 points in 29.8 minutes per game. Florida went undefeated in that stretch, including a big win over No. 1 Auburn.
“He’s a grinder,” Condon said. “He finally put it together this year. Now, at Kentucky, he’ll have to prove himself again, but I think he’ll be a force.”
Clayton, a projected first-round NBA pick, hopes to catch a Kentucky game next season supporting Aberdeen in his own way.
“He says he’s got a ticket for me,” Clayton said. “I’ll be there rocking a Gators Denzel jersey. Even if it’s in Rupp Arena.”
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