Florida basketball was listed among 13 major programs dealing with unresolved eligibility questions as the season approaches.
ESPN outlines issues stemming from the NCAA's new five-year eligibility model and ongoing litigation from players whose careers began before the rule took effect. The NCAA's latest eligibility model won't be fully implemented until next year. Class of 2022 athletes believe the exception unfairly excludes them.
According to ESPN, the NCAA said 79 lawsuits involving 450 plaintiffs across all sports were tied to the five-year rule. Men's basketball alone accounted for 234 of those athletes.
The Gators' situation revolves around Denzel Aberdeen. The Kentucky transfer previously played three seasons in Gainesville before his
one-year stint in Lexington. The 6-foot-5-inch, 190-pound guard is petitioning the court for a fifth season.
Aberdeen appeared in only 12 games and 41 total minutes as a freshman in 2022-23, which is the basis for Florida's petition to have that season treated as a redshirt year. Last season Aberdeen started 35 games for the Wildcats, averaging 13.5 points, 3.4 assists and 2.5 rebounds per game.
Aberdeen is currently projected to be a starter for Al Golden. The Gators would benefit from consistent perimeter shooting at guard — particularly Aberdeen's 36% mark from beyond the arc. ESPN has Florida No. 1 in its latest way-too-early top 25 under the assumption that the 22-year-old won't be available.
The Gators return more than 81% of their scoring from last season's regular-season SEC title team. Four starters will be back for the upcoming campaign, including Boogie Fland, Urban Klavzar, Thomas Haugh, Alex Condon and Rueben Chinyelu.
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This article originally appeared on Gators Wire: Florida basketball awaits major eligibility decision ahead of season
