Elevate your local knowledge

Sign up for the iNFOnews newsletter today!

Select Region

Selecting your primary region ensures you get the stories that matter to you first.

Alabama’s Charles Bediako preparing to play again while judge mulls decision in eligibility case

Alabama's Charles Bediako preparing to play again while judge mulls decision in eligibility case | iNFOnews.ca
FILE - Alabama center Charles Bediako (14) pulls down a rebound while guarded by Maryland guard Ian Martinez, left, during the second half of a second-round college basketball game in the men's NCAA Tournament in Birmingham, Ala., March 18, 2023. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis, File)

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) — An Alabama circuit judge didn’t rule immediately following Charles Bediako’s lawsuit hearing against the NCAA on Friday, clearing a path for the 7-footer to continue to play.

The Crimson Tide travel to rival Auburn on Saturday.

County Circuit Court Judge Daniel Pruet said he would have a ruling “soon” but did not provide one by the end of the business day. Bediako is expected to keep playing under a temporary restraining order that allowed him to join Alabama in the middle of the season despite questions regarding his collegiate eligibility.

The 23-year-old Bediako is averaging 9.5 points, 5.0 rebounds and 1.5 blocks in four outings. Alabama is 2-2 in those contests.

Attorneys for both sides — Bediako and the NCAA — argued their cases Friday. Bediako sued college basketball’s sanctioning body in an effort to regain eligibility despite leaving Alabama for the NBA draft in 2023, signing a two-way NBA contract and playing the last three seasons in the developmental G League.

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 wasn’t selected in the 2023 draft, but he played for the Motor City Cruise in the NBA’s G League as recently as mid-January.

His lawyers argued that Bediako remains within his five-year college eligibility window. The NCAA denied Alabama’s initial petition, and NCAA President Charlie Baker and SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey have made it clear they are opposed to Bediako’s reinstatement.

Crimson Tide coach Nate Oats said Friday that, regardless of the outcome of the case, Bediako will be allowed to remain on scholarship and work toward a college degree.

___

Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here and here (AP News mobile app). AP college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-basketball

Alabama's Charles Bediako preparing to play again while judge mulls decision in eligibility case | iNFOnews.ca
Alabama center Charles Bediako (14) shoots and scores past Missouri center Shawn Phillips Jr. (15) during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Alabama's Charles Bediako preparing to play again while judge mulls decision in eligibility case | iNFOnews.ca
Alabama center Charles Bediako (14) dunks a pass from Alabama guard Labaron Philon Jr. (0) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Missouri Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)

News from © The Associated Press, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Join the Conversation!

Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community?

Create a free account

The Associated Press

Kennington Smith Iii

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world’s population sees AP journalism every day.

Related Articles