Four-Star Hoops Commit to Stay with Gators

Denzel Aberdeen, a four-star guard out of Orlando, Florida, will stay committed to the Gators, according to his high school head coach Ben Witherspoon.

Aberdeen committed to the Gators Sept. 19 and stays with Jalen Reed as the only signings for the Gators 2022 recruiting class. After the signing of new head coach Todd Golden, the team lost their best recruit in the 2022 class. Malik Reneau decommited from the Gators Tuesday and is the No. 29 overall prospect and No. 4 power forward in the class of 2022.

Aberdeen Excited to Stay with the Gators

Witherspoon, who is the head coach at Dr. Phillips High School in Orlando, said that Aberdeen plans to stay with the Gators and had a conversation with Golden earlier this week. According to Witherspoon, Aberdeen and Golden will talk in person over the next few days.

Additionally, Witherspoon said Aberdeen will fit perfectly into Golden’s play style and sees similarities between the Dr. Phillips team and the University of San Francisco.

What to Know About Aberdeen

This season, Aberdeen had a successful senior campaign, averaging 14.4 points per game, 3.6 rebounders per game and 3.1 assists per game. The guard measures in at 6’4′ and takes care of the ball well, according to his coach. Also, Witherspoon said Aberdeen is one of the hardest workers on the court, practicing his game whenever he can.

Aberdeen had multiple offers from Power Five schools, including Illinois, Virginia Tech, Texas Tech and Minnesota. Moreover, he had a total of 19 Division I offers.

Golden on Recruiting

On another note, the Gators held Golden’s opening press conference Wednesday afternoon and it’s clear Golden is excited for his future with the team. He stressed the importance of recruiting high school players, but also players from the transfer portal. He also mentioned wanting to go for players overseas, where he saw success at San Francisco.

Golden said he wants players who are not only committed to the game of basketball, but players who are passionate about being a Florida Gator.