No. 17 Alabama to Feature Pro Bediako Against Tennessee

Charles Bediako, a key player for the University of Alabama’s basketball team, will be eligible to play against Tennessee. This announcement comes from Alabama’s head coach, Nate Oats. He described the NCAA system that facilitates the return of professional players to college as “broken.” Oats affirmed that they will comply with court orders regarding Bediako’s eligibility.

Legal Developments for Bediako

The 7-foot player trained with the 17th-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide after a Tuscaloosa judge temporarily reinstated his eligibility. This ruling blocked any NCAA retaliation regarding his return. Bediako, who declared for the NBA draft but went undrafted in 2023, has also played for the Motor City Cruise in the G League.

NCAA’s Position on Eligibility

The NCAA has maintained strict rules regarding players who remain in the draft past a specific deadline. Dan Gavitt, a senior vice president at the NCAA, emphasized this point in a statement. He expressed concerns about potential instability for student-athletes and schools if the rules are not enforced.

Bediako’s College Career

• Duration: Two seasons (2021-2023) at Alabama.
• Averages: 6.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks per game.
• Accomplishments: Helped Crimson Tide reach the NCAA Tournament twice.

Earlier this week, Bediako filed a lawsuit seeking to restore his college eligibility after the NCAA denied Alabama’s initial request. A local judge, James H. Roberts Jr., granted a temporary restraining order, making Bediako “immediately eligible” for team activities.

Upcoming Hearings and Implications

The temporary order is effective for ten days, with a preliminary injunction hearing scheduled for the following Tuesday. Oats criticized the inconsistent treatment of players who transition between professional leagues and college. He highlighted the case of Baylor’s James Nnaji, who was granted eligibility after playing professionally in Europe, drawing attention to the unequal standards applied to American college athletes.

Reactions from Coaches

• Todd Golden, Florida’s coach, suggested connections between the judiciary and Alabama.
• Rick Barnes, head coach of Tennessee, defended the traditional NCAA rules regarding college eligibility.

As the Alabama Crimson Tide prepare for their matchup against Tennessee, the focus will be on Bediako’s role in the game and the ongoing discussions about NCAA eligibility guidelines. The situation highlights the increasing tensions between college governance and the rights of student-athletes in the current sports landscape.