Alabama just got a major boost to its frontcourt-and it’s coming from a familiar face.
Charles Bediako, the 7-foot center who last suited up for the Crimson Tide during the 2022-23 season, is officially eligible to return to action after a Tuscaloosa County judge granted him a temporary restraining order against the NCAA. That ruling clears the way for Bediako to immediately rejoin the team, both in practices and games, and he could be back on the floor as soon as Saturday when Alabama hosts Tennessee.
Let’s break down what this means-not just for Bediako, but for a Crimson Tide squad that’s been searching for answers in the paint.
A Legal Win-and a Timely One
Bediako’s return to college basketball wasn’t supposed to be possible, at least according to the NCAA. After declaring for the 2023 NBA Draft with two years of eligibility left, he went undrafted and bounced around the G League, signing a mix of Two-Way and Exhibit 10 contracts. But he never logged a minute in an actual NBA game.
Still, the NCAA initially ruled him ineligible to return, citing his pro contracts. That decision didn’t sit well with Bediako or his legal team, who challenged it in court. On Wednesday, Judge James Roberts sided with the player, issuing a temporary restraining order that blocks the NCAA from enforcing its eligibility decision-for now.
And the ruling goes a step further: the NCAA is barred from penalizing Bediako, Alabama, or anyone associated with the program if he plays while the legal process plays out. That includes retroactive punishment like forfeited games or postseason bans. It’s a strong legal safeguard that gives Alabama the green light to use Bediako without fear of future repercussions.
What Bediako Brings Back to the Tide
This isn’t just a symbolic return. Bediako fills a very real need for a Crimson Tide team that’s been stretched thin in the frontcourt.
Injuries to Keitenn Bristow and Taylor Bol Bowen have left Alabama shorthanded in the post, and Bucknell transfer Noah Williamson hasn’t been able to provide the kind of impact the team hoped for. That’s opened the door for Aiden Sherrell to shoulder a heavy load down low-and while the freshman has shown flashes, he’s needed help.
Enter Bediako. Known for his rim protection and rebounding, he gives Alabama a seasoned, 7-foot shot-blocker who already knows the system and can step in without a steep learning curve. His presence alone should shore up the Tide’s interior defense, and he brings a level of physicality and experience that’s been missing.
What’s Next?
The temporary restraining order holds until a January 27 hearing, when the court will decide whether Bediako can remain eligible for the rest of the season. That means Saturday’s game against Tennessee could be his only appearance-at least until a more permanent ruling is made.
But for now, Alabama has a chance to plug a major hole in its rotation with a player who knows the program, understands the stakes, and brings a defensive edge that could make a real difference in SEC play.
In a season where every game counts, especially in a crowded conference race, this kind of midseason reinforcement could be a game-changer.