March Madness ended with two very different stories. Todd Golden? He was on top, basking in the championship glory. Mark Pope? His journey ended in the Sweet 16. One took home the trophy. The other took home nothing but anguish and criticism. But in college basketball, fortunes change fast. The transfer portal flipped the script. It was Todd Golden’s time to suffer. He can’t catch a break. One loss after another–either to the NBA or in the portal. Meanwhile, it’s all rainbows and sunshine for the coach in Kentucky. Things are looking up for him. And Pope? He’s not stopping. He’s piling on more misery on the youngest coach ever to win the big dance.
The Gators faithful were shaken when it was announced that Walter Clayton Jr., Alex Condon, Alijah Martin, and Will Richard were all turning pro. The walls seemed to be closing in. But that was just the start, as these were pretty much expected. Players were heading to the transfer portal too. Rising senior forward Sam Alexis, who missed much of the second half of the season due to injury, is now on his way out. Joining him? Kajus Kublickas, the Lithuanian guard who played just six games last season. But the biggest shock of all? Denzel Aberdeen’s decision to enter the portal. A storm seems to be brewing in Gainesville.
Everyone expected Denzel Aberdeen to take charge of the Gators’ backcourt next season. And he seemed ready for it. In his five starts last season, he averaged 14.4 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game. And let’s not forget that he shot a solid 48% from the field. When Clayton Jr. went down injured, Aberdeen stepped in seamlessly. He played 31.3 minutes per game, dropping 16.3 points in the four-game stretch. But now, all those hopes have been dashed. And Mark Pope is about to benefit from it.
Yes, Aberdeen is heading to the Wildcats. And Jeff Goodman, from the Field of 68: After Dark podcast, is shedding light on the harsh reality of college basketball. He said, “Denzel Aberdeen was basically guaranteed a starting spot with the defending national champions, and he left for more money. That’s where we are right now. Kentucky’s got a lot more money right now than Florida.”
That’s the harsh reality of college basketball now that NIL is part of the game. Players are looking out for themselves, often choosing programs that can offer the most money. Blue Bloods like Kentucky have always been great at landing NBA-caliber talent. Just look at their recent alumni–Anthony Davis, Karl-Anthony Towns, John Wall, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
It’s no surprise that Kentucky has one of the biggest NIL budgets heading into the season. A report from College Basketball Content suggests the Wildcats have at least $10 million or more in NIL funds for the 2025-26 season. That’s a big reason why Mark Pope was able to steal Aberdeen from Todd Golden. Florida, with $8 million in NIL budget, couldn’t compete. But for Mark Pope, there’s more good news on the way! A star player might very well be coming back!
Otega Oweh to run it back one more time with Mark Pope?
In total, Mark Pope and his staff have added five transfers, two prep freshmen, and one international freshman to join their five expected returners. The biggest catch of them all? Jayden Quaintance, the Arizona State transfer. He’s a projected top-10 pick in the 2026 draft and one of the best rim protectors in college basketball. But for Kentucky, there’s nothing better than having Otega Oweh back for another season. That would be huge.
Jan 18, 2025; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Otega Oweh (00) celebrates after a basket during the second half against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-Imagn Images
Oweh was Kentucky’s top scorer last season, averaging 16.2 points per game. After entering the draft while keeping his eligibility, the expectation has been that Oweh will return to Lexington next season. Fans are hoping for that, and Joe Tipton from On3 has some positive updates!
“At least what I’ve been told is the expectation is that he’ll be back in Lexington next year,” Tipton said. He shared the news after joining Jacob Polacheck of KSR on the Here Comes the Boom podcast.
An Oweh return would take this Kentucky roster to a whole new level, making them one of the top teams in the country. A Sweet 16 exit last season could easily turn into a Final Four run–or more–if Oweh comes back and Quaintance stays healthy. And who knows? Aberdeen might just become the first player to win the big dance with two different programs!
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