What started as just another summer workout in Lexington quickly became the most talked-about session of the offseason.
Kentucky fans expected flashes from the highly ranked freshmen. But what happened inside that gym? It completely shook up the rotation — and turned quiet names into serious threats for playing time.
According to sources close to the program, it was Denzel Aberdeen, the returning guard, who set the tone early. Coaches already knew about his experience and poise, but what they didn’t expect was the pace, the vocal leadership, and a sudden burst of scoring. He wasn’t just holding the floor — he was running it. One assistant called him “the loudest presence on the court without saying much.”
But it wasn’t just Aberdeen.
Jayden Quaintance, the 5-star big, had his moment too. Matched up against veterans, he held his ground, blocked shots, and even stepped out to hit a smooth elbow jumper. One play in particular — a two-handed putback slam over traffic — silenced the gym for a second. Then the noise exploded.
Meanwhile, Otega Oweh looked like a man on a mission. His strength, quick first step, and intensity on defense made life miserable for anyone trying to score on him. Word is, he even picked off a pass and took it coast-to-coast for a hammer dunk that got the team off the bench.
Trent Noah? Quietly lethal. Drilled open shots. Moved well off the ball. Played his role with zero flash and total control. The staff loves how he’s becoming the glue guy.
Brandon Garrison and Mo Dioubate were doing the dirty work — boxing out, setting hard screens, and getting physical down low. Garrison looks more confident, and Dioubate’s motor hasn’t slowed since day one.
As for the newcomers — keep an eye on Reece Potter and Kam Williams. Both had flashes in drills, with Potter showcasing soft touch and length, while Kam knocked down a couple transition threes that turned heads.
And then there’s Malachi Moreno, the freshman big who’s quietly rising. Coaches are intrigued by his instincts — he made a few rotations defensively that looked like something you’d expect from a junior, not a freshman.
Even Braydon Hawthorne and Andrija Jelavic made their mark, showing early chemistry in the second unit with smart decisions and hustle plays.
