TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) — Alabama’s Charles Bediako had four dunks, two steals and two blocks in his first college action in nearly three years Saturday night against Tennessee.
Playing two days after a Tuscaloosa judge temporarily reinstated his college eligibility and blocked the NCAA from retaliating for his return, the 7-footer finished with 13 points and three rebounds in 25 minutes in a 79-73 loss to the Volunteers.
Bediako checked into the game amid a rousing ovation with 16:11 to play in the first half and helped the 17th-ranked Crimson Tide score 26 points in the paint while building a 39-36 lead at the break. He scored on an inbounds pick-and-roll play, two alley-oop passes and a layup. His emphatic block ignited a fast break that led to a dunk.
The 23-year-old center was quieter in the second half, but he added an inside presence that Alabama had been missing all season.
Bediako entered the NBA draft in 2023, but he was not selected. He has signed several NBA developmental contracts since, including playing for the Motor City Cruise in the NBA’s G League as recently as last week.
Bediako spent two seasons (2021-23) at Alabama, averaging 6.6 points, 5.2 rebounds and 1.7 blocks, and helped the Crimson Tide make the NCAA Tournament twice. He sued the NCAA earlier this week in hopes of having his college eligibility reinstated.
The NCAA denied Alabama’s initial petition and has repeated its objection to Bediako’s return. Fellow coaches also have expressed concern about how the situation has played out.
James H. Roberts Jr. of the Tuscaloosa Circuit Court granted Bediako a temporary restraining order Thursday and said he is “immediately eligible” to participate in all team activities. Roberts also ruled the NCAA is “restrained from threatening, imposing, attempting to impose, suggesting or implying any penalties or sanctions” against Bediako, the Crimson Tide or its coaches and players.
The temporary order is valid for 10 days. A full hearing on Bediako’s request for a preliminary injunction is scheduled for Tuesday, although the case could end up getting moved to federal court.
Bediako told a website for the school’s NIL collective that coach Nate Oats has a plan to help him get up to speed.
“I’m ready to help these guys win and also give them some of my knowledge,” Bediako told Yea-Alabama.com. “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.”
Bediako is the first player with collegiate experience to sign an NBA contract and get the chance to return to college basketball. The court case could alter the framework of college basketball and the NBA draft and perhaps open the door for more players with NBA experience to pursue another stint in college.
Bediako said it has been all “positive vibes” since he returned to the team this week, even though he is still getting to know his teammates.
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