Charles Bediako Wins Court Ruling, Cleared to Rejoin Alabama Basketball
DETROIT - In a twist that could reshape how the NCAA handles returning pros, 23-year-old Charles Bediako has been granted a temporary restraining order allowing him to return to college basketball with the Alabama Crimson Tide - a rare move for a player who’s already signed NBA contracts.
A judge ruled Wednesday that Bediako, who’s bounced around the G League the past two seasons, can immediately rejoin Alabama’s program. The decision comes just one day after Bediako filed a lawsuit against the NCAA, challenging its denial of Alabama’s appeal to reinstate his eligibility.
Let’s break down what this means - and how we got here.
From G League Journeyman to College Return
After going undrafted in 2023, Bediako spent time with three G League squads: the Austin Spurs in 2024, the Grand Rapids Gold in 2025, and most recently, the Motor City Cruise, where he appeared in six games this season. He also played in five NBA preseason games, including two with the Detroit Pistons, before being waived on October 15, 2025.
Despite the professional experience, Bediako never logged a minute in a regular-season NBA game. That’s a key detail in this case - and one that may have influenced the judge’s ruling.
NCAA Pushback and Legal Challenge
The NCAA, however, wasn’t on board. Just hours before the court decision, NCAA President Charlie Baker made it clear: players who’ve signed NBA contracts, like Bediako, would not be eligible to return to college play. That statement only intensified the spotlight on Bediako’s legal battle.
But the judge’s ruling temporarily overrides that stance. The restraining order is in effect through January 27, giving Bediako at least a short window to rejoin the Crimson Tide. A hearing to determine whether he’ll be granted a longer-term injunction is scheduled for that date.
A Return to a Program Where He Made His Name
Bediako’s return to Alabama isn’t just a homecoming - it’s a reunion with a program where he carved out a meaningful role.
He was a key part of two NCAA tournament teams during the 2021-22 and 2022-23 seasons. As a freshman, he earned SEC All-Freshman honors in 2022. The following year, he took his game up a notch, landing on both the SEC All-Defensive and All-Tournament teams.
His standout moment came in the 2023 NCAA Tournament, when he dropped 14 points and grabbed 16 boards against North Carolina, helping Alabama punch its ticket to the Sweet Sixteen. That season, he started all 37 games for a Crimson Tide squad that earned a No. 1 seed.
Across his college career, Bediako averaged 6.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks per game - numbers that don’t leap off the page, but his impact went far beyond the box score. He was a defensive anchor, a rim protector, and a glue guy in the paint.
Precedents and the Bigger Picture
Bediako’s case isn’t happening in a vacuum. Other players have found their way back to the college ranks after NBA involvement - though their paths were different.
Take James Nnaji, for example. The 31st overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft signed professionally but had never played college ball before joining Baylor this season. Puff Johnson, meanwhile, didn’t sign an NBA deal but has since joined Ohio State, and could suit up against Michigan on Friday.
What makes Bediako’s situation unique is that he’s already played college ball, gone pro, and is now attempting to return - a move that could set a precedent if the court sides with him long-term.
What’s Next
For now, Bediako is back with Alabama - at least until January 27. That hearing could determine whether he’s cleared to play the rest of the season or forced to sit out while the lawsuit plays out.
In the meantime, Alabama gets a boost in the frontcourt, and college basketball gets a compelling legal showdown that could ripple far beyond Tuscaloosa.