In one of the most unusual turns in recent college basketball history, Alabama head coach Nate Oats said Friday that former professional player Charles Bediako will take the floor this weekend as the No. 17 Crimson Tide host Tennessee. The announcement came after a circuit judge in Tuscaloosa issued a temporary injunction this week that reinstated Bediako’s NCAA eligibility, clearing the way for him to play at least in Saturday’s matchup.
Bediako’s possible return to college basketball — three years after he left Alabama to pursue a pro career — has thrust the 7-footer and his coach into the spotlight, sparking debate around eligibility rules and how the NCAA treats former professional players.
A Legal Twist Brings Bediako Back to the Court
The story began earlier this week when Bediako, who previously appeared in the NBA G League after going undrafted in the 2023 NBA Draft, filed suit against the NCAA seeking immediate eligibility to play for Alabama. On Thursday, a Tuscaloosa County judge granted a 10-day temporary restraining order, meaning Bediako could suit up while a broader hearing on his status is set for Jan. 27.
At a press conference Friday, Coach Oats confirmed that the team will take advantage of the ruling. “He’s eligible to play,” Oats said. “We’re going to follow the court orders.” According to Oats, Bediako practiced with the Crimson Tide Thursday and Friday in preparation for the Tennessee game.
Oats Calls NCAA System ‘Broken’
In his comments to the media, Oats acknowledged the unusual nature of the situation and took aim at the NCAA’s eligibility framework. He argued the current system creates uneven treatment between American players like Bediako and some international athletes.
“First of all, the system’s clearly broken,” Oats said, according to multiple reports. “But since the NCAA has already allowed professionals to play — virtually every team we’ve played this year or will play has a former professional player on their roster — you tell me how I’m supposed to tell Charles and the team that we’re not going to support them when he’s been deemed legally eligible to play.”
The coach’s point references other recent cases in college basketball, such as Baylor’s addition of former EuroLeague professional James Nnaji, which also raised eligibility questions. Oats has been candid that while he finds the framework imperfect, he believes the Crimson Tide must compete within the existing legal and regulatory environment.
Bediako’s Background and Return
Charles Bediako is a 23-year-old center who originally played two seasons for Alabama (2021–23), averaging 6.6 points, 5.2 rebounds and 1.7 blocks across 70 appearances, before declaring for the NBA draft.
After going undrafted, he signed several developmental deals and spent considerable time in the NBA G League, most recently with the Motor City Cruise — the Detroit Pistons affiliate — as recently as last week. Despite professional experience, he never appeared in an NBA game.
Now back on campus and officially practicing with the team, Bediako stands poised to make his first game appearance for Alabama in more than three years when the Crimson Tide host Tennessee — a major SEC rivalry matchup — on Saturday.
Broader Reaction and NCAA Position
The NCAA has maintained that players who remain in the NBA draft beyond certain deadlines — and who sign professional contracts — forfeit remaining collegiate eligibility. NCAA senior vice president of basketball Dan Gavitt reaffirmed that rule Friday, saying the longstanding guidelines have been widely understood and accepted by schools and draft-eligible players until recent legal challenges.
In its commentary to news outlets, the NCAA expressed concern that court decisions like Bediako’s may undermine its ability to enforce eligibility rules and could create instability for student-athletes and college programs planning future rosters.
The situation has already sparked discussion among coaches and commentators across the sport, with some applauding the opportunity for athletes like Bediako to return and others warning that such legal precedents could upend traditional NCAA structures.
What’s Next for Bediako and Alabama
For now, the immediate focus for Alabama is Saturday’s game. Bediako’s presence adds a new dimension to the Crimson Tide’s frontcourt, where his length, defensive instincts and experience could be impactful against SEC competition.
However, Bediako’s eligibility beyond the current 10-day injunction remains uncertain. The court will hold a hearing on Jan. 27 to consider a preliminary injunction that could determine whether he can compete for the rest of the season.
If the judge sides with Bediako again, it might open the door for other former professionals — particularly those with G League backgrounds — to pursue similar returns to college basketball. That prospect has already prompted debate about the future of eligibility rules, NIL opportunities and the balance between fairness and competition in the modern game.
