Kentucky
Denzel Aberdeen compares upcoming Kentucky team and his National Champion Florida team
When Denzel Aberdeen, a native of Florida and projected starter for the upcoming Florida Gators squad, post-national championship, entered the transfer portal, it was seen as a shock.
When he committed to one of Florida’s biggest basketball rivals, it was seen as an even bigger shock.
But Aberdeen is making his home right in Lexington in hopes of himself going back-to-back, and he believes he has found the right spot to do so.
“Definitely some similarities (between that Florida team and this Kentucky team). I think here is even better, just knowing that the guys we have here and the coaching staff, and then just this university itself, the people here are amazing,” Aberdeen said during a recent meeting with local media.
“The atmosphere is amazing, so I think that pushes us. We know what we’ve got to do when we come here, put on a Kentucky jersey, and just playing for the University of Kentucky is a big thing.”
Aberdeen is one of two seniors on the roster, the other being presumed preseason All-American Otega Oweh, one of the best returning players in college basketball for the 2025-26 season.
Being a senior on a Kentucky Wildcats team with unlimited potential brings responsibility.
“I’m trying to use my past experiences from my previous school and trying to bring it here because, obviously, I know the goal is to win No. 9,” Aberdeen said. “Just bringing what I was taught in my past years at the University of Florida and bringing it here, trying to get No. 9.
“I know the fans want that. I know we want that, especially all the coaches and players. I’m making it my job this year to bring a lot of leadership and bring guys together and just reminding them what our main focus is for the year.”
And with Mark Pope’s messaging that No. 9 is the assignment, Aberdeen is ready to bring that home to Lexington.
Kentucky
Kentucky is poised to land either Donnie Freeman or Sebastian Rancik this weekend, per report
Jones posted on Twitter that “Kentucky will have (absent a major change) either Freeman or Rancik by tomorrow,” while also noting the Wildcats still need to add another shooter and another big to round out the roster.
One of the top targets is Donnie Freeman, a 6-foot-9, 205-pound sophomore forward transferring from Syracuse. Freeman arrived in Lexington on Tuesday night and began his visit on Wednesday before leaving without a commitment. While there was concern he could land at UConn, that visit has since been canceled, leaving Kentucky and St. John’s as the top teams.
Freeman averaged 16.5 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game last season, while adding nearly a block and a steal per contest. He shot 47.4% from the field but 30.2% from 3-point range across 23 games.
The other option is Sebastian Rancik, a 6-foot-11, 220-pound sophomore forward transferring from Colorado. Rancik visited Kentucky starting Wednesday through Thursday and brings a versatile skill set, averaging 12.3 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2 assists per game while shooting 33.1% from 3.
Either Freeman or Rancik would provide a significant boost at the power forward position for head coach Mark Pope. Kentucky has already added guards Zoom Diallo and Alex Wilkins in the portal.
Kentucky football coach Will Stein reflects on new position
Will Stein was officially introduced to fans and media as the head coach for the Kentucky Wildcats, replacing Mark Stoops.
LEXINGTON — Kentucky football had its first spring game under new coach Will Stein at Kroger Field on Saturday.
The offense, in blue jerseys, had its moments. So too the defense, donning white uniforms.
Ultimately, the blue squad earned a 23-18 victory in a game called just after noon because of inclement weather.
Stein admitted he “got emotional” as he charged onto the field prior to kickoff.
“I know it wasn’t a real game, but when I ran on the field, I definitely — man, I felt it,” he said. “It was like a wave running over me. And very, very, just cool.”
While it doesn’t count in the standings, Stein walked away pleased.
“I think we got a lot of really good work,” he said. “That’s the goal of spring is to improve with fundamentals and technique, learn how to practice, learn what winning edges that we need throughout spring to go into summer and fall and prepare the team for play. And we came out of the scrimmage clean. There (were) no injuries, which to me, that’s the biggest win of the day. I could (not) care less about the score.
“If we come out clean, that’s good. The Wildcats won.”
New starting QB Kenny Minchey looked about as expected, with sharp passes evened out by moments of inconsistency. Martels Carter Jr., a defensive back who is lining up at running back this spring, scored a touchdown and had several nice runs.
And the defense forced multiple three-and-outs and also picked off one Minchey pass on a two-point conversion.
This story will be updated.
Reach Kentucky men’s basketball and football reporter Ryan Black at rblack@gannett.com and follow him on X at @RyanABlack.
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