With Alabama sitting at 3-3 in SEC play and teetering on the edge of the Top 25, Tuesday night’s matchup against Missouri isn’t technically a “must-win”-but it sure feels like one. The Crimson Tide can’t afford to drop a third straight game at Coleman Coliseum, especially with a road trip to Gainesville looming next.
Florida, even after a recent stumble against Auburn, still looks like one of the most complete teams in the conference. In other words, the margin for error is shrinking fast.
That’s what makes Charles Bediako’s return all the more critical.
After a long absence, Bediako made his Alabama re-debut Saturday night against Tennessee and wasted no time making his presence felt. Coming off the bench, he logged 13 points, three rebounds, two blocks, and two steals in 25 minutes of action.
That’s not just a solid stat line-it’s a reminder of what Alabama’s been missing in the paint. And with Missouri coming to town, the timing couldn’t be better.
The Tigers, led by Mark Mitchell, thrive in the paint. They average nearly 40 points per game down low-ranking in the 96th percentile nationally-and they don’t shy away from physical play.
That’s their bread and butter. Alabama saw that firsthand last year in Columbia, where Missouri torched them for 40 paint points, shot 60% from the field, and ran up 110 points in a 12-point win.
That game wasn’t just a loss-it was a statement. Missouri dominated, and they did it by owning the interior.
You can bet Nate Oats hasn’t forgotten.
That’s why Bediako’s availability couldn’t be more important. His status for the rest of the season is still in limbo, with a preliminary injunction hearing delayed by weather that prevented the NCAA’s attorney from traveling to Tuscaloosa. For now, Tuscaloosa County Judge James Roberts has extended the temporary restraining order that allows Bediako to play, at least through the Missouri and Florida games.
And Alabama needs every minute they can get from him.
Three years ago, Bediako was the anchor of a defense that ranked third in the nation in KenPom’s defensive efficiency. That version of Alabama was tough, disciplined, and relentless on that end of the floor-traits that have been hard to come by since. If Bediako can even partially restore that defensive identity, it could be a game-changer for a Tide team that’s struggled to find consistency.
What makes his return even more impressive is how quickly he got up to speed. With just one practice under his belt before the Tennessee game, Bediako still managed to make a noticeable impact.
That’s not easy, especially in the SEC, where the physicality and pace are unforgiving. As he gets more reps and builds chemistry with this current group, his influence should only grow.
Bottom line: Alabama’s season isn’t on the line just yet, but these next two games could define the trajectory of their SEC campaign. If they’re going to weather the storm-and possibly make a run-Charles Bediako might be the key piece they’ve been missing.