Charles Bediako Granted Temporary Return to Alabama Basketball Amid NCAA Legal Battle
In a twist that could shake up the college basketball landscape - and potentially set a precedent - former Alabama center Charles Bediako has been granted a temporary restraining order (TRO) by a Tuscaloosa judge, allowing him to return to the Crimson Tide roster despite having played professionally since 2023.
The ruling, handed down Wednesday morning, comes just one day after Bediako filed a lawsuit against the NCAA in Tuscaloosa Circuit Court. At the heart of the legal battle is a fundamental question: Should a player who has signed NBA contracts - even if he didn’t stick in the league - be allowed to return to the college game?
Bediako, who went undrafted in the 2023 NBA Draft, signed a two-way contract and spent the last three seasons in the G-League. By NCAA standards, that professional experience should have closed the door on his college eligibility. But the court’s decision gives Bediako a temporary window to rejoin Alabama - at least until a formal hearing scheduled for January 31.
That means Bediako could potentially suit up for one game: a marquee SEC showdown this Saturday against Tennessee in Tuscaloosa. After that, Alabama faces Missouri on the day of the hearing, which could determine his long-term eligibility.
The NCAA, unsurprisingly, is not taking this lightly.
“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 organization said in a statement. “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 NCAA had already denied Alabama’s petition to reinstate Bediako before the lawsuit was filed. The organization doubled down on its stance, saying Bediako’s professional history - including signing three NBA contracts - clearly violates its eligibility standards.
“Mr. Bediako signed three NBA contracts after competing in college for two seasons,” the NCAA said.
“The NCAA has not and will not grant eligibility to any prospective or returning student-athletes who have signed an NBA contract. Eligibility rules ensure high school students get a shot at earning scholarships, and we will continue to consistently apply and defend these rules.”
From the NCAA’s perspective, this isn’t just about one player - it’s about protecting the integrity of the amateur model and preserving opportunities for incoming student-athletes. But from Bediako’s side, the argument is centered on fairness and the right to continue his education and college career after an unsuccessful pro stint.
Alabama, for its part, is treading carefully. The university released a statement on Wednesday that expressed support for Bediako but stopped short of confirming whether he’ll actually take the floor against Tennessee.
“The University of Alabama supports Charles and his ongoing efforts to be reinstated for competition while he works to complete his degree,” the statement read.
It’s a delicate situation for Alabama - one that blends athletic ambition with legal uncertainty. Bediako’s return would give the Crimson Tide a major boost in the paint, especially against a physical Tennessee squad. But whether he plays or not, this case could have ripple effects far beyond Saturday’s tip-off.
If Bediako is ultimately allowed to return, it could open the door for other players who took a shot at the pros - especially those who didn’t find long-term footing - to seek a path back to college basketball. And that’s exactly what the NCAA is trying to prevent.
For now, all eyes are on Saturday. Will Charles Bediako suit up in crimson and white once again? And if he does, what kind of statement will that make - not just on the scoreboard, but in the broader conversation about what it means to be a college athlete in 2026?