The Alabama Crimson Tide are gearing up for a strong run in the upcoming NCAA men's basketball tournament, and they certainly have the credentials to make some noise. Under the guidance of Nate Oats, the team has built a program that's not only competitive but also capable of going deep into March Madness.
However, as with any tournament, several variables come into play, and one key factor is seeding. With a record of 19-7, Alabama finds itself among several teams vying for better positioning as the regular season winds down.
A unique twist in Alabama's season involves Charles Bediako, who played five games earlier this year under a temporary restraining order regarding his eligibility. While the NCAA can't penalize Alabama for those games, the question remains whether the selection committee might adjust their seeding because of them.
Keith Gill, chair of the selection committee, clarified that Alabama won't be penalized for Bediako's participation in those games. The committee plans to assess the Tide based on their performance throughout the season, focusing on wins and losses, irrespective of player availability during those games.
Gill stated, "Those games do count. You have to decide how you’re going to count them. The committee will apply our normal player availability process."
Dan Gavitt, NCAA Vice President of Basketball, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that eligibility issues aren't within the committee's scope. "That’s not the basketball committee’s role," he said, highlighting their focus on competitive evaluation.
Bediako, a 7-foot center, had a notable journey before attempting a college return. After playing at Alabama from 2021 to 2023, he entered the 2023 NBA Draft.
Although undrafted, he signed a two-way contract with the San Antonio Spurs and spent time with their G League affiliate, the Austin Spurs. His professional journey also included stints with the Orlando Magic in the 2024 NBA Summer League and with the Grand Rapids Gold and Motor City Cruise.
The situation surrounding Bediako's eligibility underscores some of the complexities the NCAA faces with international and G-League players. His legal challenge against the NCAA highlighted these issues, though it ultimately didn't succeed.
As Alabama moves forward, their focus remains on the court, where they aim to prove their mettle and make a significant impact in the tournament. With the committee's decision to evaluate them on their merits, the Tide are poised to navigate the challenges ahead with confidence.