Kentucky freshman center Malachi Moreno didn’t hesitate for a second when asked about the impact Denzel Aberdeen has made early in the season. With the Wildcats adjusting on the fly and navigating more lineup shuffling than expected — especially after Jaland Lowe’s latest shoulder setback — Moreno says Aberdeen has stepped into a leadership role with confidence and command.
According to Moreno, Aberdeen has become one of Kentucky’s most dependable sparks on both ends of the floor.
“Denzel gives another scoring ability,” Moreno said Monday. “We can all score. But Denzel brings toughness, and he really sets the tone early. He sets the flow of the game.”
Aberdeen’s assertiveness, fearlessness, and ability to attack off the dribble have stood out in moments where Kentucky needed someone to steady the offense. Moreno added that those qualities have helped the Wildcats define their identity during stretches when direction was needed most.
And for Moreno, the trust factor couldn’t be clearer.
“He’s a hooper, bro,” Moreno said with a grin. “Denzel is ready for it. I trust the ball in his hands 100 out of 100 percent. With the ball in his hands, we can do a lot of damage.”
As Mark Pope navigates his second season with a fully rebuilt roster, Aberdeen’s rise has become one of the most encouraging storylines — especially with Lowe out. His presence, poise, and ability to run the offense have helped Kentucky maintain its rhythm through an early wave of adversity.
With players like Moreno openly backing him, the Wildcats look increasingly confident with Aberdeen steering the ship heading into a critical showdown against Michigan State in the Champions Classic — the first test of what they hope becomes a strong winter surge.
