Alabama Basketball heads into Saturday’s showdown with Tennessee riding a wave of momentum-and a bit of controversy. According to ESPN’s analytics, the Crimson Tide has a 62.1% chance of coming out on top. That number doesn’t suggest dominance, but it does indicate a slight edge-largely thanks to the home-court advantage and the energy of a rowdy Tuscaloosa crowd that knows how to make life difficult for visiting teams.
But the headline isn’t just the matchup. It’s the addition of big man Charles Bediako, who’s been cleared to play under a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) that could expire just days after tip-off. His presence could be a game-changer for Alabama-not necessarily as a dominant scorer, but as a much-needed anchor on the boards and in the paint.
Let’s break it down.
Why Bediako Matters
With Keitenn Bristow still sidelined and Noah Williamson struggling to adapt to the physical demands of SEC play, Alabama needed help inside. Bediako brings that. He’s a proven rim protector and rebounder, and even if he’s not logging 30 minutes, his ability to spell Aiden Sherrell-especially if foul trouble creeps in-could be the difference between a win and a loss.
This isn’t just a depth move; it’s a strategic reinforcement. Alabama’s offense thrives in transition, and that starts with defensive stops and rebounds. Bediako can contribute immediately in both areas, giving the Tide a sturdier interior presence against a Tennessee team that doesn’t shy away from physicality.
The Legal Cloud Hanging Over the Court
Of course, Bediako’s eligibility isn’t without strings. The TRO allows him to play-for now.
It’s set to expire in 10 days, with a court hearing scheduled for January 27. The NCAA has been temporarily restrained from penalizing Alabama or Bediako for his participation, but that protection isn’t permanent.
A future ruling could shift the landscape entirely, potentially resulting in sanctions or vacated wins if Bediako is ultimately ruled ineligible.
The language in the court’s ruling is clear: the NCAA can’t threaten or impose penalties at this moment. But that doesn’t mean Alabama is out of the woods. If the court sides with the NCAA later, the Crimson Tide could find themselves retroactively penalized-something no program wants hanging over its season.
Calculated Risk or Necessary Gamble?
So, is it worth it?
Head coach Nate Oats and athletic director Greg Byrne clearly think so. They had to know this move would draw scrutiny.
After all, Bediako has 46 G League games under his belt and has signed multiple NBA two-way and Exhibit 10 contracts since 2023. While he never played in a regular-season NBA game, he was eligible to do so with three different franchises before being waived.
That kind of professional résumé blurs the lines of NCAA amateurism. But it’s not unprecedented.
Auburn’s Filip Jovic, for example, played four seasons with European pro teams before suiting up for the Tigers. The NCAA’s eligibility rules have long been a maze of exceptions and gray areas, and Bediako’s case is just the latest example.
Oats isn’t alone in rolling the dice here. There are plenty of coaches who would’ve jumped at the chance to add a player of Bediako’s caliber, especially in the middle of a heated SEC race. The upside-both in terms of production and postseason potential-is hard to ignore.
What’s at Stake on Saturday
Saturday’s game is more than just a battle for SEC positioning. It’s a litmus test for Alabama’s roster decisions and a preview of how this team might look if Bediako is allowed to stick around.
A win would validate the move-at least in the short term. But the long-term implications are still murky.
For now, Alabama is betting that Bediako’s impact on the court will outweigh the off-court noise. And if he helps them get past Tennessee, that bet might just pay off.