Kentucky basketball freshman Malachi Moreno didn’t hesitate when asked Monday about the impact point guard Denzel Aberdeen has made on the Wildcats this season.
With Kentucky navigating early adversity and lineup adjustments with Jaland Lowe out, Moreno says Aberdeen has become one of the team’s most reliable sparks on both ends of the floor.
“I think Denzel kind of gives another scoring ability. We can all score. And Denzel’s just, he brings toughness, and he really sets the tone early. And he really just sets the flow
of the game,” said Moreno.
Aberdeen’s confidence, aggressive mindset, and fearlessness in attacking defenses have stood out, particularly in games where Kentucky has needed a steady hand. Moreno said those qualities have helped Kentucky establish its identity during stretches when the offense needed direction.
That trust extends deeper than just running the offense.
“He’s a hooper, bro,” Moreno said of Aberdeen. “Denzel is, he’s ready for it. I trust the ball in his hands 100% out of 100%. With the ball in his hands, we can do a lot of damage.”
As Kentucky continues to find its rhythm under Mark Pope in his second season with a new roster, Aberdeen’s steady emergence has been one of the most encouraging signs, especially with Lowe out due to his shoulder injury.
With players like Moreno expressing full confidence in his leadership, the Wildcats appear increasingly comfortable with Aberdeen steering the offense and setting the tone for what they hope becomes a strong winter push that begins vs. Michigan State in the Champions Classic.
