‘Start Him Now!’ – New Recruit’s Scrimmage Masterclass Has Fans Buzzin and Pope Rethinking Everything — The Summer Practices Were Worth the Drills – Kentucky’s Bench Could Beat Some ACC Starters
It was supposed to be just a summer scrimmage. A tune-up. A look behind the curtain for Big Blue Nation. Instead, it became a statement — loud and clear: Kentucky isn’t just building a team… they’re building a problem for the ACC.
And at the center of the storm? Denzel Aberdeen.
The former Florida guard came out firing during Kentucky’s scrimmage against LA Familia and didn’t miss a beat. From the moment he stepped on the floor, Aberdeen looked confident, polished, and ready to make an immediate impact. He drilled multiple threes, played with poise in transition, and showed leadership that screamed “starter.”
Fans were stunned — in the best way.
> “Start him now!” one fan posted minutes after the final buzzer.
“Aberdeen looks like a vet. This isn’t hype — this is real.”
“He might be the best shooter on the team.”
And it wasn’t just Aberdeen making waves. Other “non-headliners” like Trent Noah and Ortega Oweh shined in big ways. Oweh’s athleticism and defensive intensity had the crowd buzzing, while Noah calmly knocked down shots and moved with the kind of court awareness most freshmen take months to develop.
The result? Mark Pope suddenly finds himself with a depth chart dilemma — and that’s a good problem to have.
When asked about the scrimmage, Pope didn’t shy away from praise:
> “The summer drills weren’t for show. These guys have been grinding. You’re seeing the results.”
But fans also noticed who wasn’t playing. Projected rotation pieces Jayden Quaintance and Collin Chandler sat on the bench the entire scrimmage. Whether it was rest, strategy, or a coach’s message, it only added more fuel to the debate about Pope’s rotation decisions.
And now? The depth is so real that Kentucky’s bench might be better than some ACC starting fives.
That’s not an exaggeration — it’s a reflection of how tight the competition in this group has become. With Aberdeen lighting it up, Oweh playing like a two-way threat, and Pope showing zero hesitation to reward effort over hype, it’s clear that nobody’s spot is safe — and everybody’s role is earned.
This scrimmage was more than just a preview. It was a warning shot to the rest of college basketball. The Wildcats aren’t relying on just five stars or high-school hype. They’re building a team with real depth, real competition, and players who are ready now.
The ACC might think they know what’s coming. But after this showing?
They’re not ready. Not even close.
