Jaland Lowe reportedly OUT, Denzel Aberdeen a game-time decision vs. Nicholls

Denzel Aberdeen and Jaland Lowe KSR — Denzel Aberdeen (left) and Jaland Lowe (right) during Kentucky's loss to Georgetown - Dr. Michael Huang, Kentucky Sports Radio/On3

Will Kentucky have either of its injured guards back on the floor against Nicholls in the season opener? We know one is out, but another could potentially return for the Wildcats, according to The Field of 68’s Jeff Goodman.

Jaland Lowe has been declared OUT against the Colonels after injuring his right shoulder in the Blue-White Game a few weeks back, Goodman reports. As for Denzel Aberdeen, who missed the exhibition matchup vs. Georgetown with a sore leg, he is a game-time decision.

Goodman broke that news early Tuesday afternoon.

Denzel Aberdeen a game-time decision, source told @TheFieldOf68 https://t.co/3bXP7bGU4i
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) November 4, 2025

KSR reported Monday evening that both Lowe and Aberdeen returned to practice with “clearly no lingering concern for either player” in terms of their future availability. They were full-go to open the week with the former running with the scout team and the latter with the backups.

Whether they played in the opener against Nicholls or needed a couple extra days of rest before returning vs. Valparaiso on Friday, the expectation is Kentucky’s first true road game at Louisville is no longer in question — barring any setbacks this week.

Get the Daily On3 Newsletter in your inbox every morning

By clicking "Subscribe to Newsletter", I agree to On3's Privacy Notice, Terms, and use of my personal information described therein.

Either way, the Wildcats have opened as a massive favorite against the Colonels, the spread sitting at -29.5 in UK’s favor with the total set at 152.5 points and 91.5 for Kentucky specifically.

Pope told Jon Rothstein of CBS Sports on Monday that he was “still unsure” if Lowe and Aberdeen would be able to suit up in the opener, just days after his initial timeline for return estimate on both players.

“DA has just got a sore leg. He’s trying to get 100% healthy, and so we’re taking a precaution with him,” Pope said after the Georgetown loss. “I’d like to have, you know, I don’t know where J. Lowe is going to be, but I’d like to have those guys back in action within the next week or two, I’m hoping.”

Hopefully Aberdeen is at least back for the Wildcats on Tuesday, but all eyes are on Friday potentially for Lowe’s official Kentucky debut — gotta get them ready for Louisville exactly one week from today.

Take advantage of our KSR+ Introductory Offer to get bonus coverage of the Cats, including game threads, in-depth scouting reports, and the latest recruiting and roster intel. $1 for a week.