In a groundbreaking move that could reshape the conversation around college athlete eligibility, former Alabama center Charles Bediako has won a legal battle against the NCAA, clearing the way for his return to the collegiate hardwood-despite having signed multiple NBA contracts.
Bediako, who suited up for the Crimson Tide during the 2021-22 and 2022-23 seasons, filed a lawsuit arguing that he never would’ve declared for the 2023 NBA Draft had the current financial landscape of college athletics existed at the time. His case hinges on a simple but compelling premise: the game changed, and he deserves a chance to play by the new rules.
Back when Bediako made the jump to the pros, NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) opportunities were already in play, but the full scope of athlete compensation hadn’t yet arrived. Fast forward to now, and the House v. NCAA settlement-implemented in July 2025-has opened the door for athletes to receive direct payments from their universities, including revenue-sharing models that were unheard of just a couple of years ago.
In his court filing, Bediako emphasized that if he had known he could’ve legally earned money directly from Alabama while staying in school, he would’ve never left early to chase professional opportunities. The complaint described the shift in college sports as “monumental,” and it’s hard to argue otherwise. What was once a rigid amateurism model has morphed into a more flexible, financially viable path for student-athletes to stay in school while still securing their futures.
Bediako’s journey after leaving Alabama was anything but straightforward. He went undrafted in 2023, despite helping lead the Crimson Tide to a Sweet 16 appearance.
He later signed an Exhibit 10 contract with the San Antonio Spurs worth roughly $1.11 million-a deal that eventually converted into a two-way contract. He also played Summer League ball with the Orlando Magic and briefly signed with the Denver Nuggets before being waived.
In 2025, he inked a more lucrative deal with the Detroit Pistons, reportedly valued at over $2 million.
All of those professional stops became key points of contention in his battle with the NCAA. The governing body initially denied Alabama’s request to reinstate Bediako, citing his NBA contracts as a disqualifier. But Bediako, represented by attorney Darren Heitner, took the fight to court-and won.
The NCAA, in a statement following the lawsuit, pointed to Bediako’s multiple pro contracts as a unique factor that distinguishes his case from others who’ve regained eligibility. But the court’s ruling sends a clear message: the evolving structure of college athletics means past decisions made under outdated systems deserve a second look.
And now, Bediako could be suiting up for Alabama again as soon as Saturday night, when the Crimson Tide host Tennessee in a marquee SEC matchup at Coleman Coliseum. Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m. CT.
This isn’t just a personal victory for Bediako-it’s a moment that could set precedent. As college sports continue to navigate the shifting tides of athlete compensation and eligibility, this case might be just the beginning of a new era where past decisions are revisited under today’s rules. For now, though, Alabama fans might get to see a familiar face back in the paint-and that alone is a game-changer.