Otega Oweh, Denzel Aberdeen thank the BBN for their time at Kentucky

The two senior guards played their final game for the Wildcats in the NCAA Tournament

Mar. 22, 2026 at 10:20pm

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Otega Oweh and Denzel Aberdeen, two senior guards for the Kentucky Wildcats, played their final game for the team in a second-round NCAA Tournament loss to Iowa State. Despite the disappointing end to their college careers, both players reflected on their time at Kentucky and thanked the Big Blue Nation (BBN) fanbase for welcoming them and supporting the team.

Why it matters

Oweh and Aberdeen were key contributors for Kentucky this season, helping the team exceed preseason expectations. Their departures mark the end of an era for the Wildcats, as the program will need to find new leaders to step up next year.

The details

Oweh and Aberdeen combined to score 38 of Kentucky's 63 points in the loss to Iowa State. Oweh had 18 points and 7 rebounds, while Aberdeen scored 20 points with 4 made 3-pointers. Both players were essential pieces for Kentucky this season, with Oweh earning All-SEC Second Team honors and Aberdeen thriving in his first season as the team's primary point guard.

  • Oweh and Aberdeen played their final game for Kentucky on Sunday, March 22, 2026.
  • Oweh spent two seasons at Oklahoma before transferring to Kentucky, while Aberdeen played three years at Florida before joining the Wildcats.

The players

Otega Oweh

A senior guard who spent the last two seasons at Kentucky after transferring from Oklahoma. Oweh was a two-time All-SEC Second Team selection and finished his college career with over 1,200 points scored.

Denzel Aberdeen

A senior guard who played his lone season at Kentucky after transferring from Florida. Aberdeen thrived in his role as the team's primary point guard, averaging 13.3 points and 3.5 assists per game.

Mark Pope

The head coach of the Kentucky Wildcats men's basketball team.

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What they’re saying

“First and foremost, I wanna thank BBN, Coach Mark Pope, my guy Otega, all my teammates for allowing me to step foot in the University of Kentucky. Ever since I stepped foot on campus, they welcomed me with warm hugs, everyone was positive with me, everyone was basically like family to me. So I wanna thank them. We didn't get to what we wanted to get to today but I'm just proud of each and every one of my teammates, my coaches, BBN for just allowing me to be here. I'm forever grateful for them.”

— Denzel Aberdeen

“Just want to say thank you to BBN. These past two years have been amazing. Thank you, Coach Pope, obviously, for bringing me in. We fell short this year but I'm sure the guys next year are gonna come and remember this and get the job done. Playing here at Kentucky, that's what the fans and everyone deserves is to win. I'm disappointed that we didn't get it done this year but these past two years have been amazing. Life-changing. I'm just thankful for my teammates that I played with last year, this year, I'll definitely never forget it, for sure.”

— Otega Oweh

The takeaway

Oweh and Aberdeen were essential pieces for Kentucky this season, helping the team exceed preseason expectations. While their college careers ended in disappointment, their contributions to the program will not be forgotten by the Big Blue Nation fanbase.