Denzel Aberdeen is reuniting with Florida basketball, he announced on Instagram on Friday, April 10.
The Orlando native, who previously spent three seasons with the Gators and helped lead them to the national title in 2025, transferred to Kentucky this past year. Aberdeen and Florida failed to negotiate an NIL deal last season despite being a potential starter for the Gators’ lineup.
“I’m excited to announce that I’m planning to re-enroll at the University of Florida to finish my undergraduate degree,” Aberdeen’s post said. “Thankful for the opportunity to finish my academy journey back home at the place where it started. Go Gators!”
The 6-foot-5 guard started 35 of 36 games for the Wildcats, when he averaged 13.5 points and 3.4 assists per game. He also shot 36.3% from the 3-point line.
Aberdeen seeks a fifth season of eligibility as he only played in 12 games for 41 minutes during his freshman year. During UF’s national title run, Aberdeen averaged 7.7 points and 19.8 minutes.
The Gators faced Aberdeen and Kentucky three times this season, all of which resulted in Florida victories. In his return to Gainesville this season, Aberdeen posted 19 points and four assists in a 92-83 loss back in February. He posted 15 points, five rebounds and four assists at Kentucky, and then posted 17 points in a loss during the SEC tournament.
Reach Florida Gators writer Andrew Abadie at AAbadie@usatodayco.com or on X (formerly Twitter) at @AndrewAbadie. You can also find him on Facebook at Andrew Abadie Sports Reporter or on Instagram @andrewabadie_sports.
This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: Denzel Aberdeen returning to Florida basketball
Reporting by Andrew Abadie, Gainesville Sun / The Gainesville Sun
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
