Florida guard Denzel Aberdeen, a 6‑foot‑5 junior who played an underrated yet pivotal role in the Gators’ 2025 NCAA championship run, has informed On3Sports that he will enter the NCAA transfer portal with one year of eligibility remaining . Aberdeen capped his 2024‑25 campaign with back‑to‑back 20‑point performances—22 against South Carolina and 20 versus Mississippi State—and averaged career highs of 7.7 points, 1.7 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game . After three seasons in Gainesville, he seeks an expanded on‑court role and new opportunities for playing time, NIL growth and leadership .
Breakout Season and Championship Contribution
During Florida’s title run, Aberdeen appeared in all 40 games and made five starts, ranking second on the team in appearances . He first broke out with a 13‑point outing in his inaugural start against Vanderbilt, before seizing the spotlight with consecutive 20‑point games over top‑25 opponents . His season averages of 7.7 points per game placed him among the Gators’ most reliable scoring options off the bench, complementing starters like Walter Clayton Jr. and Alijah Martin . In the national championship against Houston, Aberdeen delivered a crucial free throw in the final minute, helping seal a 65–63 victory in San Antonio . Coaches and teammates lauded his “insanely high level” of play and his readiness whenever called upon .
Decision to Enter the Transfer Portal
According to On3’s Joe Tipton on X, Aberdeen “plans to enter the transfer portal,” solidifying a departure that had been widely anticipated . He formally informed the UF staff this week, and his name was entered into the NCAA portal on April 18, 2025 . Under current NCAA rules, men’s basketball players have a 30‑day window—open March 24 to April 22—to enter the portal without penalty . With one year remaining, Aberdeen retains immediate eligibility at his next destination.
Career Progression at Florida
A three‑star recruit from Dr. Phillips High School in Orlando, Aberdeen was the No. 142 player in the 2022 recruiting cycle, according to On3’s Industry Ranking . He redshirted his freshman year (2022‑23), appearing in 12 games and averaging 1.6 points per contest . In 2023‑24, Aberdeen’s role expanded to 32 appearances, where he averaged 3.3 points and logged a career‑highlight 20‑point, four‑steal performance in the SEC Tournament semifinals against Texas A&M . His steady improvement earned him a rotation spot in Todd Golden’s system, culminating in the confidence to start key games this past season .
Impact on the Gators’ Roster
Aberdeen’s entry into the portal follows fellow guards Kajus Kublickas and reserve forward Sam Alexis, who also opted to transfer after the championship . Florida has already added Princeton transfer Xaivian Lee and incoming freshmen CJ Ingram and Alex Lloyd, giving the backcourt a refreshed look for 2025‑26 . Todd Golden will now need to re‑recruit remaining contributors—Will Richard, Alex Condon and Thomas Haugh—and pursue portal targets to replenish depth, particularly in the guard spots . Aberdeen’s departure opens a clear path for new arrivals to compete for minutes alongside returning veterans.
Suitor Landscape and Outlook
Given his size, championship pedigree and demonstrated scoring ability, Aberdeen is projected to attract interest from mid‑major programs seeking a versatile wing and backcourt depth . His three‑season résumé—spanning bench development and high‑profile starts—makes him a plug‑and‑play option for teams in need of veteran leadership . Early speculation links him to Group of Five schools looking to elevate their guard rotation, though no official visits have been reported . Power Five suitors with crowded backcourts may hesitate, but schemes favoring size, defense and off‑ball scoring could court Aberdeen aggressively.
The transfer portal window closes on April 22, after which commitments can continue through the summer en route to spring practices and fall enrollment . Aberdeen and his representatives will weigh factors such as playing time, system fit, NIL potential and team trajectory before announcing his next stop. His decision will be one of the marquee moves of the 2025‑26 cycle, as programs nationwide seek to bolster their rosters with proven contributors and championship experience.
