Florida guard Denzel Aberdeen ‘felt like it was fair’ to grant him another year of eligibility
Gainesville, Fla. (AP) — Denzel Aberdeen, a guard for the Florida basketball team, has been cleared to play another year of eligibility, according to a court ruling. Aberdeen had been waiting five months for this decision. "I always thought I should get (cleared) because I played against fifth years, sixth years, seventh years my whole life," Aberdeen stated.
"Just thinking that rule applies for us as well. Feel like it was fair." The decision could solidify Florida as the preseason No. 1 team. Florida forward Thomas Haugh added, "No other team in the country has what we got going on right now." Aberdeen, a 6-foot-5 guard, played three seasons at Florida before transferring to Kentucky.
He returned to Florida after an official visit and has been working towards completing his undergraduate degree. Coach Todd Golden noted that Aberdeen's maturity and trust in the program were evident, with no signs of uncertainty about his decision. The NCAA has now adopted an eligibility model allowing players five years of eligibility starting when they turn 19 or graduate from high school, whichever comes first.
This change led to lawsuits from players like Aberdeen who were affected. The decision allows Florida's team to have a more stable core, with key players like Haugh, Alex Condon, Rueben Chinyelu, Boogie Fland, and Urban Klavzar returning for another chance at a national title.
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