Gators headline ESPN’s Thanksgiving tournament at Disney Wide World of Sports

GAINESVILLE — The Florida men’s basketball team will headline the 2024 ESPN Events Invitational at Disney’s Wide World of Sports in Kissimmee during the Thanksgiving holiday.

ESPN announced the Gators, coming off a 24-11 season in Todd Golden’s second year, will join Minnesota, Wake Forest and Wichita State during a four-team, two-day tournament running Nov. 28-29.

Matchups, along with game and TV times, will be announced at a later date.

UF returns starting guards Walter Clayton Jr., the team’s leading scorer in 2023-24, and Will Richards. The duo returned after exploring professional options during the offseason.

Junior point guard Denzel Aberdeen, a former Orlando Dr. Phillips standout who emerged late last season, and sophomore post players Alex Condon Jr. and Thomas Haugh also return.

The Gators added three intriguing transfers, including explosive FAU guard Alijah Martin — a key member of the Owls’ 2023 Final Four team. Power foward Sam Alexis, a 6-foot-9, 225-pound transfer from Chattanooga, and 6-foot-11 Washington State transfer Rueben Chinyelu provide length and athleticism inside.

Shooting guard Isaiah Brown of Orlando Christian Prep will join the Gators as a first-year freshman.

Florida last appeared in the event in November 2016, finishing third in an eight-team field, beating Seton Hall and Miami.

The Gators’ 2024-25 non-conference schedule also includes a Dec. 4 visit from Virginia in the SEC-ACC Challenge.

Tickets will go on sale later this summer, but fans can apply for pre-sale tickets at the ESPN Events Invitational website.

Edgar Thompson can be reached at egthompson@orlandosentinel.com