Florida basketball awaits the NCAA’s decision on Denzel Aberdeen, a four-year guard seeking an additional year of eligibility.
Head coach Todd Golden recently shared his thoughts on the case, pointing to the inconsistencies in college athletics’ redshirt rules, the proposed “five-for-five” model, Aberdeen’s limited playing time as a freshman and his return to Florida to complete his degree.
Florida Athletic Director Scott Stricklin echoed those sentiments.
“I think the right thing to do in this day and age, where it seems like we’re moving to a five for five model, we have different redshirt rules for different sports,” Stricklin said. “In football, you can play the last four games, and long as you only play four and you’re still okay, in the current model. Basketball is a sport that’s a different standard that does not seem fair or right.
“I think the unique circumstances of Denzel’s case, considering he’s coming back to a place he started to get his degree, I think the right thing to do is to let him have that year,” Stricklin added.
Temporary restraining orders (TRO) are becoming somewhat common in college athletics eligibility disputes. It’s a short-term court order that temporarily blocks the NCAA from enforcing a rule so an athlete can play immediately while a lawsuit plays out. A few examples include Alabama’s Charles Bediako, Texas A&M’s Rashaun Agee, and Vanderbilt’s Diego Pavia.
Schools have faced some scrutiny amid this growing trend, as it can create uncertainty around NCAA enforcement. It also raises the question of whether Florida would support an athlete pursuing a similar route.
Florida athletic director Scott Stricklin has said the program would support whatever decision Denzel Aberdeen ultimately makes.
“I don’t know what decision, if he gets denied, I don’t know what decision Denzel will make, but I think we would support whatever path he wanted to attempt. I do think the right thing to do, is if we are gonna go to a five for five and given the variety of standards we’ve had up until this point, it makes sense to give that kid another year.”
Of course, the Gators are hoping it doesn’t come to that and that Aberdeen is granted a fifth year of eligibility. Todd Golden has described it as a “last resort” option.