An Alabama circuit judge has ruled that 7-foot center Charles Bediako is no longer eligible to play for the University of Alabama men’s basketball team, denying his motion for a preliminary injunction and ending his season with the Crimson Tide. The decision, handed down on Monday by Judge Daniel Pruet, cites Bediako’s failure to demonstrate entitlement to injunctive relief, marking a significant setback in his attempt to return to college basketball after playing professionally.
Bediako, who spent two seasons at Alabama from 2021 to 2023, left for the NBA draft but went undrafted and subsequently played three seasons in the NBA G League with the Motor City Cruise. His return to Alabama this January was facilitated by a temporary restraining order, which allowed him to play five games, during which the team went 3-2. However, the judge’s ruling now prevents him from continuing, as the temporary order has expired.
The legal battle centered on Bediako’s eligibility within his five-year collegiate window, with his lawyers arguing that he remained entitled to play. The NCAA, however, opposed his reinstatement, maintaining that players who enter the draft and sign professional contracts forfeit their college eligibility. NCAA President Charlie Baker stated that the court “upheld the rules of our members,” emphasizing that college sports are intended for students, not professionals seeking to return.
In response to the ruling, Baker expressed relief, calling it a win for “common sense” and highlighting the need for congressional action to address the “national mess of state laws” surrounding athlete eligibility. Meanwhile, Alabama head coach Nate Oats confirmed that Bediako will be allowed to remain on scholarship and work toward his degree, regardless of the court’s decision, demonstrating support for the player’s academic pursuits.
For Alabama’s basketball program, the loss of Bediako impacts team depth, particularly in the frontcourt. During his brief stint, he averaged 10 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game, contributing to key wins over Auburn and Texas A&M. With his departure, the Tide must rely more heavily on starting center Aiden Sherrell and backup Noah Williamson, who has struggled this season, posing challenges in a competitive Southeastern Conference.
The ruling has broader implications for future NCAA eligibility cases, establishing a precedent that players who have participated in the NBA or G League after college are unlikely to be granted reinstatement. This contrasts with cases like Baylor’s James Nnaji, who was cleared to play without prior college experience. ESPN analysts note that the decision could affect other players exploring returns, such as former UCLA guard Amari Bailey, and may shape how courts handle similar disputes.
Looking ahead, Alabama must navigate the remainder of its season without Bediako, facing immediate games like the upcoming match against Mississippi. The team’s performance in his absence will be closely watched, especially as it relates to NCAA Tournament seeding, where selection committees may weigh the wins with Bediako differently. Ultimately, this case underscores the ongoing tensions between athlete rights, professional pathways, and collegiate regulations in modern sports.
