Charles Bediako, a 7-foot center for the Alabama Crimson Tide, can keep playing after a judge delayed his eligibility hearing and extended a temporary restraining order. The postponement came because of weather problems for an NCAA lawyer, pushing back what was set for Tuesday. This keeps Bediako on the court for Alabama's next games against Missouri and Florida.
Background
Bediako first played for Alabama in the 2021-22 and 2022-23 seasons. He averaged 6.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks per game over those two years. The team made the NCAA Tournament both times with him in the lineup. After his second year, he left school early to enter the 2023 NBA draft. He did not get picked. Since then, he signed a few NBA developmental deals. Those included a two-way contract with the Spurs before the 2023-24 season and Exhibit 10 deals. He also played for three G League teams, with his last game for the Motor City Cruise just last week.
Alabama sits at No. 17 or No. 23 in recent polls, depending on the ranking service. The team has dealt with injuries this season, like forward Amari Allen, who looks doubtful for the Missouri game. Bediako's return adds size and experience inside. Coach Nate Oats welcomed him back, saying the team needs that help. Bediako joined practices this week and got positive feedback from teammates.
The NCAA turned down Alabama's first request to let Bediako play. They said his NBA contracts make him ineligible under their rules. Bediako and his lawyers sued the NCAA this week. They argue he still has time left in his five-year eligibility clock, which started when he enrolled as a freshman in 2021. This is year five for him. They also note he never played in an NBA game, only G League and training camps. Other players with pro experience have returned to college lately, but Bediako is the first with an actual NBA team contract.
Key Details
Last Thursday, Tuscaloosa Circuit Court Judge James H. Roberts Jr. issued the first temporary restraining order. It said Bediako could play right away in all team activities. The order also stopped the NCAA from punishing Bediako, Alabama, its coaches, or players. That order lasted 10 days and was due to end Tuesday.
On Monday, the two sides had a virtual meeting because NCAA lawyer Taylor Askew could not travel due to bad weather. The judge extended the order for another 10 days. It now runs until February 6. This covers Alabama's home game against Missouri on Tuesday, the road trip to Florida on Sunday, and the home matchup with Texas A&M on February 4.
Bediako made his return Saturday night against Tennessee. He entered with 16:11 left in the first half to a big cheer from the crowd. In 25 minutes, he scored 13 points on four dunks, including two alley-oops and a layup. He grabbed three rebounds, had two steals, and two blocks. One block started a fast break that ended in a dunk. Alabama scored 26 points in the paint with his help and led 39-36 at halftime. The Tide lost 79-73, but Bediako showed what he brings. He was less active in the second half but gave the team an inside presence it lacked all season.
"Yeah, 100 percent. Everywhere I've been, going back to my high school days, I'm going to do right by my players in every single situation, as long as they didn't do anything wrong. Charles has done nothing wrong." – Nate Oats, Alabama coach
Oats stood by his player after the Tennessee game. He said Bediako saw how the college basketball rules have changed with other pros returning. Oats agreed with the move to fight for eligibility. He plans to keep playing Bediako as long as the court allows.
Court and NCAA Response
The judge's first order drew some questions because Roberts is listed as a donor to Alabama athletics. Still, it went through. The NCAA has objected from the start. Other coaches voiced worries about the case. The full hearing on a longer injunction got delayed. It might move to federal court later. For now, the extension holds.
Bediako spoke to a school NIL site about fitting in. He said coach Oats has a plan to get him ready fast.
"I’m ready to help these guys win and also give them some of my knowledge. We’ve got a great group of guys. I think we can win it all. I’m just excited, just as much as they are." – Charles Bediako
He called the team vibes positive, even as he learns his new teammates.
What This Means
The extension gives Alabama a boost for three big SEC games. With injuries hurting depth, Bediako's 13 points and defense against Tennessee showed his value. The Tide needs wins to stay in the conference race and build for the NCAA Tournament. His size helps in the paint, where Alabama has struggled.
For college basketball, this case tests NCAA rules on pros returning. More players enter the draft early, play G League, and want back in school. Bediako's fight could set a path if he wins longer term. It highlights changes since NIL deals and transfer rules loosened up. The NCAA faces more lawsuits on eligibility.
Bediako gets another shot at college ball in his fifth year. He brings pro habits like better footwork and toughness. Teammates say he fits right in during practices. Alabama hopes he stays through the season. The next court step will decide if he plays past February 6. Until then, he suits up for every game. The team focuses on winning now, with Oats backing his roster fully. Bediako aims to contribute on both ends and share what he learned in the pros.
