Gainesville, FL – Just days after celebrating a remarkable national championship victory, the Florida Gators men’s basketball program has been hit with unexpected news. Guard Denzel Aberdeen, a key contributor to their title run, has reportedly entered the NCAA transfer portal.1 The news sent shockwaves through Gator Nation, as Aberdeen was anticipated to take on a larger role in the upcoming season.
Aberdeen, a junior guard, played a significant role off the bench for the Gators throughout their championship-winning campaign.2 Appearing in 39 games, he averaged 7.7 points and was fourth on the team with 36 three-pointers, shooting an impressive 35% from beyond the arc. He demonstrated his scoring prowess with back-to-back 20-plus point performances against Mississippi State and South Carolina earlier in the season. In the NCAA Tournament, Aberdeen provided valuable minutes and even started a few games when injuries impacted the starting lineup.
The timing of Aberdeen’s decision is particularly surprising, given the departures of three starting guards – Walter Clayton Jr., Will Richard, and Alijah Martin – due to exhausted eligibility. Many expected Aberdeen, who had patiently developed his game over three seasons in Gainesville, to step into a starting role and become a primary scorer for the Gators in the 2025-26 season.
While Aberdeen has not publicly stated his reasons for entering the transfer portal, reports suggest that the decision may be related to Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities. According to college basketball analyst Jeff Goodman, Aberdeen’s move “had little to do with the addition of Princeton transfer PG Xaivian Lee and was far more about finances/NIL.” This indicates that Aberdeen may be seeking a program where he can secure more lucrative NIL deals.
The addition of Xaivian Lee, a highly-regarded transfer point guard from Princeton, was seen as a major boost for the Gators’ backcourt.3 However, Aberdeen’s departure now creates another significant void that head coach Todd Golden will need to address through the transfer portal. Along with Aberdeen, sophomore forward Sam Alexis has also entered the transfer portal, further thinning the Gators’ roster.4
Aberdeen’s decision marks a significant loss for Florida, not just in terms of on-court production but also team chemistry. He was a well-liked and respected member of the team, known for his work ethic and positive attitude. His teammates, including Walter Clayton Jr., have expressed their support for him on social media.
As the transfer portal remains open until April 22nd, Coach Golden and his staff will undoubtedly be working diligently to find suitable replacements who can help the Gators defend their national title next season. The departure of a key player like Denzel Aberdeen serves as a stark reminder of the ever-evolving landscape of college basketball and the impact of the transfer portal and NIL on team rosters.
