The transfer portal is now closed for college basketball, yet thousands of names remain in it. This could be because players are still uncertain about where they’ll play next season, or it may involve those out of eligibility waiting to see if the NCAA will grant everyone a fifth year.
One of the most head-scratching moves from the portal so far has been former national champion Denzel Abderdeen leaving Florida. Abderdeen was in a prime position to become the starting guard and form one of the best backcourt duos in college basketball. His decision appears to have been strictly financial.
“Denzel Abderdeen's departure had little to do with the addition of Princeton transfer PG Xaivian Lee and was far more about finances/NIL,” Jeff Goodman said.
The former Gator guard made a quick decision and found a new home in the SEC shortly after entering the portal. Next season, he will suit up for the Kentucky Wildcats—further fueling speculation that money was a driving factor, as Kentucky boasts the largest NIL fund in college basketball. It is believed the Wildcats are paying him $2 million to play in Lexington next season.
Mark Pope and his staff have dominated the transfer portal all offseason. With the addition of Abderdeen, Kentucky has now completed its roster. Meanwhile, the reason behind Abderdeen’s departure from Florida has become clearer after his father, Ian Abderdeen, spoke out—directly criticizing Florida head coach Todd Golden.
“He hasn’t really shown what he can do. You could see spurts of it at Florida and even previously, but he wants a coach who believes in him,” his dad said.
Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
Abderdeen averaged nearly 20 minutes per game, which indicates he was a reliable contributor. So taking a shot at Golden seems unusual. Perhaps his father believes Denzel has significantly more potential and is deserving of 30 or more minutes per game.