It’s only July, but Kentucky fans are already having strong opinions about what they’re hearing from behind closed doors in Lexington.
According to early reports from summer workouts, Mark Pope’s practice rotations have sparked quiet concern inside the fanbase — and even, sources say, among some players.
The biggest issue?
One of Kentucky’s most explosive talents — who’s been lighting up scrimmages — is being used sparingly in key drills and team sets. And no, it’s not a disciplinary issue. It’s by design.
> “He’s experimenting,” one source close to the program shared.
“Trying different groupings, different looks. But let’s just say… not everyone’s happy with who’s getting the reps.”
While most of BBN is excited about the new era under Pope, this particular decision has left many confused. After all, why keep one of your most electric players on the sideline when the competition is wide open?
Denzel Aberdeen, the speedy Florida transfer and former four-star guard, is said to be one of the standouts of summer practice — showing elite quickness, improved shooting, and undeniable command of the offense.
But strangely, he’s been relegated to the second unit in several key scrimmages.
The reaction?
Mixed.
Some fans say Pope is simply testing depth, but others worry he’s undervaluing the momentum Aberdeen is building.
> “He’s too good to sit,” one fan wrote on Twitter.
“You don’t accidentally bench a guy who’s cooking everyone.”
But Pope has been here before. He’s known for tinkering in the offseason, pushing players mentally and emotionally before rewarding them with minutes. If anything, this could be a calculated move to motivate, not marginalize.
Still, it raises the question —
If a guy like Aberdeen keeps dominating…
How long can you keep him off the floor?
Because if summer practice is any indication, Mark Pope might be creating a problem — a good one.
A deep, competitive, ultra-talented roster is forming.
But with that comes the hardest part of all: figuring out who starts… and who watches.
