March Madness wrapped up with two contrasting stories. Todd Golden was on top of the world after capturing a national championship, while Mark Pope saw his team’s run end in the Sweet 16. But things in college basketball change quickly—especially in the age of the transfer portal and NIL deals. Suddenly, it’s Golden who’s feeling the heat. His Florida program is being hit hard, with players either heading to the NBA or jumping into the transfer portal. Meanwhile, Pope is thriving in Kentucky, capitalizing on the chaos in Gainesville and strengthening his roster.
Florida fans were already reeling when four key players—Walter Clayton Jr., Alex Condon, Alijah Martin, and Will Richard—announced they were turning pro. Though not entirely unexpected, it was still a major blow. But it didn’t stop there. Players began entering the transfer portal as well, including Sam Alexis, a forward who missed much of the season due to injury, and guard Kajus Kublickas, who saw limited action last year. The real shocker, however, was Denzel Aberdeen’s decision to transfer. Once seen as a future cornerstone of the Gators’ backcourt, his departure sent shockwaves through the fanbase.
Aberdeen had appeared poised to step up next season. In the five games he started, he averaged 14.4 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 2.6 assists, shooting an efficient 48% from the field. When Clayton Jr. went down with an injury, Aberdeen filled in admirably, averaging 16.3 points over a four-game stretch and logging over 31 minutes per game. With his departure, those plans have unraveled—and his destination only adds to the sting.
Aberdeen is transferring to Kentucky, joining Mark Pope’s reloaded roster. A prominent voice in college hoops media pointed out the tough reality: Aberdeen left a guaranteed starting role at the defending champions for a bigger NIL payday. Kentucky, it seems, simply had deeper pockets. Reports suggest the Wildcats’ NIL budget for the 2025-26 season exceeds $10 million, compared to Florida’s $8 million. That financial advantage has allowed Pope to build something special, and the Gators are feeling the impact.
In addition to Aberdeen, Pope has brought in five transfers, two freshmen from the high school ranks, and an international player. Among the biggest names is Jayden Quaintance, a transfer from Arizona State and a projected lottery pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. His presence alone boosts Kentucky’s outlook significantly. But there’s potentially more good news coming for the Wildcats.
Otega Oweh, Kentucky’s top scorer from last season, is expected to return. After declaring for the draft while maintaining college eligibility, the word is that he’ll come back for another run. Last season, he averaged 16.2 points per game and was a central piece of the team’s success. If he returns and Quaintance stays healthy, Kentucky could be on track for a deep tournament run—perhaps even a Final Four appearance or a national title.
With Pope building momentum and players like Aberdeen choosing Kentucky over a defending champion, it’s clear the NIL era has changed the landscape of college basketball. Programs with bigger budgets have a major edge, and loyalty is increasingly taking a back seat to opportunity.