Kentucky Basketball fans were already bracing for the absence of Jaland Lowe, Kam Williams, and Jayden Quaintance. But Friday night brought a new twist as guard Denzel Aberdeen appeared on the SEC Injury Report listed as probable due to illness.
Despite not practicing for two days and feeling under the weather, Aberdeen suited up for Saturday's clash against Auburn. His performance was nothing short of heroic in a nail-biting 75-74 loss.
Head coach Mark Pope praised Aberdeen's determination: “Denzel hasn’t practiced in two days and was sick as could be and just was courageous out there, giving us the best he could,” he shared with Tom Leach on postgame radio.
Aberdeen logged 38 minutes, matching his career high, and contributed 15 points, three assists, while taking on the tough task of defending Auburn’s Tahaad Pettiford. Pettiford was held to just nine points on 2-9 shooting. Although Aberdeen shot 5-14 from the field, he kept Kentucky in the hunt late in the game, nailing a three-pointer with 3:14 remaining and sinking two critical free throws to temporarily give Kentucky a three-point edge.
This marks the third instance this season where a Kentucky player has battled illness to take the court. Otega Oweh fought through the flu against LSU, sparking a comeback win, while Collin Chandler, also under the weather, secured a game-sealing steal at Tennessee. Aberdeen’s effort, though valiant, didn’t lead to a victory this time.
With a 2-1 record when players compete while sick, Kentucky is now focused on getting healthier and breaking a three-game losing streak with an upcoming matchup against Georgia.