Alabama head coach Nate Oats is keeping his focus on the court, even as one of his key players, Charles Bediako, finds himself in the middle of a legal battle with the NCAA. The Crimson Tide big man recently returned to action under a temporary restraining order, but whether he’ll be cleared to continue playing remains up to a judge.
Bediako, who hasn’t suited up for Alabama since the 2023 Sweet 16, made his season debut on Saturday thanks to that court-issued restraining order. It gave him a 10-day window to return to the floor while his legal team, led by attorney Darren Heitner, challenges the NCAA's ruling on his eligibility. The next big moment in this case comes Tuesday, when a hearing is scheduled to determine whether Bediako can continue playing during his final semester.
Oats addressed the situation during a Monday press conference ahead of Alabama’s SEC matchup with Missouri. And while he’s clearly pulling for his player, the coach made it clear he’s not in the business of predicting legal outcomes.
“I don’t really know,” Oats said when asked if he believes the judge will rule in Bediako’s favor. “I would think so based on what’s been presented to me.”
Oats went on to explain what he’s heard about the process, acknowledging that while he believes Bediako should be eligible, he’s not the one wearing the robe in court.
“I think he should be eligible, so I would assume a judge would [agree],” Oats said. “But I’m not an attorney, a judge - I don’t have a legal background. What I’ve been told is that both sides maybe present their cases - I don’t know if tomorrow they actually have to give a verdict, from what I understand.”
The uncertainty around the timeline is real. While the hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, Oats admitted he’s not sure if a decision will come that day or later.
“I think it may or may not come tomorrow. I’m not sure,” he said.
What is certain is that Bediako’s presence on the floor could be a major boost for an Alabama team looking to find consistency in SEC play. At 13-6 overall and 3-3 in conference, the Tide are still searching for rhythm in a deep and competitive league.
Tuesday’s game against Missouri - who enters at 14-6 and 4-3 in SEC play - is a critical one, and tipoff is set for 7 p.m. CT on SEC Network.
Whether Bediako will be available beyond this week remains in the hands of the court. But for now, Oats and the Crimson Tide are preparing as best they can - with or without their big man in the lineup.