Todd Golden did his best to keep the bones of last year’s national championship roster intact this offseason, but after relying on a senior-laden backcourt, it wasn’t easy. Beyond the departures of Walter Clayton Jr., Alijah Martin, and Will Richard for professional basketball, Florida also saw backup point guard Denzel Aberdeen hit the transfer portal to spend the final year of his eligibility elsewhere.
Golden reloaded with Boogie Fland and Xaivian Lee, and Aberdeen wound up in Lexington, and into a starting role. Now, Aberdeen will have a major spotlight on him for the rest of the season as Pitt transfer and projected starting guard Jaland Lowe will be out long-term after reinjuring his shoulder in practice.