Kentucky basketball’s annual media day always brings excitement, fresh storylines, and the first real look at what’s brewing behind closed doors. But this year, two names completely dominated the conversation — Denzel Aberdeen and Trent Noah.
Whether it was their energy, leadership, or sheer talent, both players left such a strong impression that nearly every teammate found a way to bring them up. What’s becoming clear: these two might be the spark plugs of Mark Pope’s first Kentucky team.
“He’s About to Surprise Everyone” — Denzel Aberdeen Is Finally Getting His Shot
When Denzel Aberdeen transferred to Kentucky from Florida, the move didn’t make major national headlines. But inside the locker room, the reaction was different — this was a player teammates immediately respected.
Aberdeen, who already has a championship ring from Florida, came to Lexington with experience and a hunger to prove he’s more than a role player. According to point guard Jaland Lowe, that fire shows every day in practice.
“I was familiar with Denzel when he was at Florida,” Lowe said. “I played him my freshman year and always thought he was good, but I feel like they never really gave him his chance to really shine. Since he’s been here, I see how much of a threat he is and how hard he works. He’s going to surprise a lot of people this year.”
Aberdeen has been praised for his defensive toughness, ability to handle the ball under pressure, and a surprisingly smooth shooting touch. But what really stands out is his leadership.
He’s been vocal in huddles, steady under stress, and willing to mentor younger players — traits that are invaluable for a team filled with new faces and fresh expectations.
With a championship mindset and the confidence of his teammates, Aberdeen is shaping up to be a glue guy who can win possessions, lead emotionally, and hit big shots when it matters most.
He’s not just filling a roster spot — he’s filling a role Kentucky has needed for years: the steady, experienced guard who plays with a purpose.
“He Barely Misses in Practice” — Trent Noah’s Shooting Is Becoming Legend
And then there’s Trent Noah — the kind of player who can catch fire in an instant and make every shot look effortless.
The sophomore forward, known for his blue-collar work ethic and confidence, has turned heads with his shooting displays in practice that border on unbelievable.
“Trent Noah… he’s definitely one of the best shooters I’ve ever seen,” Lowe said. “Coach said the next person to make Trent miss in practice gets a gift card. He was shooting like 90% over the last two weeks.”
Eventually, Kam Williams managed to make him miss — earning that mysterious gift card — but that doesn’t change the fact that Noah’s consistency has been nothing short of remarkable.
Teammates say he’s become nearly automatic from beyond the arc, whether he’s spotting up in transition, coming off a screen, or pulling up off the dribble.
Beyond the shooting, Noah’s also impressed with his feel for the game. Coaches love his willingness to move without the ball, his improved defense, and his physical toughness — all qualities that make him a complete player rather than just a specialist.
As one assistant reportedly put it, “When Trent’s on the floor, everything opens up.”
If he carries his practice rhythm into live games, Noah could emerge as one of the most efficient and dangerous shooters in the SEC — and possibly the nation.
“He Does the Dirty Work That Wins Games” — Brandon Garrison’s Underrated Importance
While Aberdeen and Noah dominated the headlines, Brandon Garrison quietly earned praise from his teammates for something less flashy but equally vital: his effort and basketball IQ.
“BG’s really good at setting hard screens,” Lowe explained. “It’s the will to want to do everything at a high level — sprinting to a screen, calling it out, setting it strong — that all leads to winning.”
At 6’9”, Garrison’s presence in the paint brings structure and reliability to Kentucky’s frontcourt. He’s become known for doing the small things — communicating on defense, boxing out hard, and freeing shooters on offense — that make the difference between good teams and great ones.
With players like Garrison willing to sacrifice stats for success, Kentucky’s system is starting to take shape around chemistry, effort, and balance.
The Early Signs Point to a Dangerous Kentucky Team
For fans wondering how Mark Pope’s first Kentucky roster would come together, the early signs couldn’t be more promising.
Denzel Aberdeen provides poise and experience in the backcourt.
Trent Noah brings elite shooting and competitive fire on the wing.
Brandon Garrison anchors the interior with strength and savvy.
Together, they represent the identity Pope’s been preaching — a team built on leadership, shooting, defense, and unselfish play.
The praise from teammates isn’t just talk. It’s a reflection of a locker room that’s already building trust and belief in one another — something Kentucky basketball has been missing in recent years.
If the chemistry continues to grow and these players keep elevating their games, this Wildcats team could be the one that reclaims the toughness, unity, and excitement fans have been craving.
And when we look back months from now, it might all trace back to what started here — at a media day where Denzel Aberdeen and Trent Noah stole the show and gave Big Blue Nation a reason to believe again.
