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Kentucky Guard Denzel Aberdeen Gets Dubbed 'Gator Traitor' During His Return Game to Florida
Aberdeen scored a team-high 19 points despite hostile chants from Florida fans after transferring over NIL disagreements, as Kentucky fell 92-83 to Florida in SEC play.
- Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026 in Gainesville, Denzel Aberdeen, Kentucky's guard, faced loud taunts and scored 19 points in a 92-83 loss to Florida Gators.
- An NIL disagreement prompted Aberdeen to transfer, and reporting says he left Florida for more money and a better opportunity in Lexington, while Florida shipped him a ring in contrast to others in person.
- In terms of box-score impact, Aberdeen managed an 8-of-21 night while Florida's defense forced him into contested attempts and he missed five of six from 3-point range.
- Coaches framed the return as routine, with Golden saying `You know me well enough to know we are treating this game like any other game`, and Mark Pope praising Aberdeen as unfazed by distractions.
- Coaches say backlash reflects player freedom, noting Charles Bediako, Alabama player, drew similar fan reactions earlier this month.
16 Articles
16 Articles
Orlando Sentinel
The Hamilton SpectatorKentucky guard Denzel Aberdeen gets dubbed ‘Gator traitor’ during his return game to Florida
Denzel Aberdeen helped Florida win a national championship last April. In his homecoming, he was dubbed a “Gator traitor.” The Kentucky guard was taunted endlessly in a 92-83 loss to the Gators.
Florida outlasts Kentucky, Denzel Aberdeen to maintain first place in SEC
Florida is one of the hottest teams in the SEC, and the No. 14 Gators will remain in first place heading into next week. Todd Golden’s team extended its winning streak to 5 with a 92-83 win over No. 25 Kentucky. Denzell Aberdeen’s return to Florida was a major storyline heading into the game. A key bench contributor on UF’s 2025 national championship team, Aberdeen opted to transfer to Kentucky during the offseason. Aberdeen had a big day, but i…
Denzel Aberdeen Returns to O'Connell Center in New Blue Uniform - WRUF 98.1 FM
Florida basketball’s meeting with the Kentucky Wildcats on Saturday serves as a homecoming for former Gator and national champion Denzel Aberdeen. Less than a month after Florida became 2025 NCAA Champions, the senior guard inked his future with the SEC rivals. Aberdeen shocked Gator Nation, as he was expected to fill a starting role following the departures of senior guards Walter Clayton Jr., Will Richard and Alijah Martin for the NBA. The O…
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