01/21/26 03:05:00
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01/21 15:03 CST Ex-Alabama player Charles Bediako, who played in NBA G League,
is granted college eligibility
Ex-Alabama player Charles Bediako, who played in NBA G League, is granted
college eligibility
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) --- Ex-Alabama player Charles Bediako, who has spent the
past 2 1/2 years competing in the NBA Summer League and G League, had his
college eligibility temporarily reinstated Wednesday by a judge who blocked the
NCAA from retaliating for his return to the 17th-ranked Tide.
Bediako had signed several NBA developmental contracts since going undrafted in
2023. He played two seasons (2021-23) at Alabama, averaging 6.6 points, 5.2
rebounds and 1.7 blocks a game, and helped the Crimson Tide make the NCAA
Tournament twice.
James H. Roberts Jr. of the Tuscaloosa Circuit Court granted Bediako a
temporary restraining order 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.
"These attempts to sidestep NCAA rules and recruit individuals who have
finished their time in college or signed NBA contracts are taking away
opportunities from high school students," the NCAA said in response. "A judge
ordering the NCAA let a former NBA player take the court Saturday against
actual college student-athletes is exactly why Congress must step in and
empower college sports to enforce our eligibility rules."
The temporary order is valid for 10 days. A full hearing on Bediako's request
for a preliminary injunction is scheduled for Tuesday.
Alabama hosts Tennessee on Saturday. It's unlikely that Bediako would play, but
his case is one to watch as the NCAA navigates eligibility rules that are being
constantly challenged amid the ever-changing landscape of college sports.
"The University of Alabama supports Charles and his ongoing efforts to be
reinstated for competition while he works to complete his degree," the school
said in a statement.
Bediako signed a two-way NBA contract with San Antonio in 2023. Although he has
never played in an NBA game, he has taken part in developmental leagues with
the Spurs, Orlando, Denver and Detroit.
Bediako sued the NCAA earlier this week after the sanctioning body denied
Alabama's appeal to allow him to return to college basketball.
His case comes after the NCAA cleared international players with professional
experience and other players who were in the NBA's developmental G League.
In his initial complaint against the NCAA, Bediako cited the eligibility of
Baylor center James Nnaji, who was the 31st pick in the 2023 NBA draft and was
cleared to return to college basketball in December. Nnaji played in the NBA's
Summer League and spent multiple years with FC Barcelona of the Euroleague.
Bediako's initial complaint stated that the NCAA has been biased toward
international players with professional experience who have been cleared to
play college hoops in recent years.
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