Alabama center Charles Bediako is set to play against Missouri on Tuesday after a judge postponed a hearing regarding his eligibility case against the NCAA. The decision came from Judge James H. Roberts Jr. of the Tuscaloosa Circuit Court, who on Monday extended a temporary restraining order (TRO) concerning Bediako’s request for a preliminary injunction. The extension was granted due to a winter storm preventing one of the NCAA’s attorneys from traveling from Tennessee to Alabama. Judge Roberts confirmed that “good cause does exist” to extend the TRO for an additional ten days, although a new hearing date has yet to be established.
Bediako made his return to college basketball on Saturday, contributing 13 points, three rebounds, two steals, and two blocks in a 79-73 loss to Tennessee. His return followed a temporary reinstatement of his eligibility just two days prior, during which the court also blocked the NCAA from retaliating against him. Crimson Tide coach Nate Oats stated that Bediako will continue to participate as long as he remains eligible.
Prior to his return, Bediako entered the NBA draft in 2023 but was not selected. He subsequently signed several developmental contracts, including a stint with the Motor City Cruise in the NBA’s G League. Over his two seasons at Alabama from 2021 to 2023, Bediako averaged 6.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks, playing a pivotal role in the Crimson Tide’s two NCAA Tournament appearances.
Bediako’s legal action against the NCAA aims to secure his college eligibility after the organization denied Alabama’s initial petition and consistently objected to his return. His case has raised concerns among fellow coaches about its implications for college basketball. Notably, Bediako is the first player with collegiate experience to sign an NBA contract and subsequently return to college basketball.
As Bediako integrates back into the team, he expressed positivity about his experience thus far. “Right now, I’m just focused on the team,” he remarked. “Obviously I’ll dissect what happened today, but right now my main focus is this next game and getting focused with the team.”
The outcome of this case could significantly impact the relationship between college basketball and the NBA draft, potentially paving the way for more players with NBA experience to pursue additional opportunities in college basketball. More developments in this case are anticipated as the hearing date approaches.
