Denzel Aberdeen, a guard for the Florida men’s basketball team, has been granted a temporary injunction allowing him to participate in the upcoming season, a court ruling said Wednesday. The decision was made by Circuit Court Judge George Wright during a hearing held in Alachua County, Florida.

Aberdeen’s attorney, Jesse Panuccio, initiated legal action against the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) earlier this month after the governing body denied Aberdeen eligibility to play this season. The lawsuit challenges the NCAA’s decision to restrict athletes, like Aberdeen, who began their college careers in the 2022-23 academic year and have completed four seasons of eligibility.

According to Panuccio’s motion, more than 30 courts nationwide have found the NCAA’s policy to be “unlawful” and described the organization’s decision as “arbitrary.” The injunction temporarily blocks the NCAA from enforcing its eligibility ruling against Aberdeen, enabling him to compete for the Gators while the broader legal dispute proceeds.

Florida’s head coach, Todd Golden, along with several players, attended the hearing in support of Aberdeen’s case. The university did not immediately comment on the ruling or its implications for team roster management.

The NCAA has yet to respond publicly to the court’s decision. The outcome of this lawsuit could have wider consequences for other student-athletes facing similar eligibility restrictions under the NCAA’s current rules.

Aberdeen’s case highlights ongoing tensions surrounding college athlete eligibility and participation criteria, as the NCAA adjusts policies in response to evolving legal and public pressures related to athlete rights and compensation. The temporary injunction ensures Aberdeen’s immediate participation while legal challenges continue to unfold.