01/24/26 11:37:00
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01/24 23:36 CST Charles Bediako makes immediate impact for No. 17 Alabama in
his return to college basketball
Charles Bediako makes immediate impact for No. 17 Alabama in his return to
college basketball
By KENNINGTON LLOYD SMITH III
Associated Press
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) --- Alabama's Charles Bediako had four dunks, two steals
and two blocks in his first college action in nearly three years Saturday night
against Tennessee.
Playing two days after a Tuscaloosa judge temporarily reinstated his college
eligibility and blocked the NCAA from retaliating for his return, the 7-footer
finished with 13 points and three rebounds in 25 minutes in a 79-73 loss to the
Volunteers.
Bediako said his relationship with coach Nate Oats played a key part in his
decision to return.
"That staff really trusts and believes in me and plays to my strengths,"
Bediako said after the game. "Obviously when that opportunity came, it just
felt right to come back."
Bediako checked into the game amid a rousing ovation with 16:11 to play in the
first half and helped the 17th-ranked Crimson Tide score 26 points in the paint
while building a 39-36 lead at the break. He scored on an inbounds
pick-and-roll play, two alley-oop passes and a layup. His emphatic block
ignited a fast break that led to a dunk.
The 23-year-old center was quieter in the second half, but he added an inside
presence that Alabama had been missing all season. With starting center Aiden
Sherrell in foul trouble throughout the game, Bediako logged the fourth-most
minutes on the team and finished with the highest plus-minus rating at plus-10.
"I thought he was good," Oats said. "Thought he meshed well with our guys
early. For a guy that's been here a few days, to fit in with the team, I
thought he was good. He's got to get a few more rebounds for us. He knows that.
He's a great teammate. He's gonna help us moving forward."
Bediako entered the NBA draft in 2023, but he was not selected. He has signed
several NBA developmental contracts since, including playing for the Motor City
Cruise in the NBA's G League as recently as last week.
Bediako spent two seasons (2021-23) at Alabama, averaging 6.6 points, 5.2
rebounds and 1.7 blocks, and helped the Crimson Tide make the NCAA Tournament
twice. He sued the NCAA earlier this week in hopes of having his college
eligibility reinstated.
The NCAA denied Alabama's initial petition and has repeated its objection to
Bediako's return. Fellow coaches also have expressed concern about how the
situation has played out.
James H. Roberts Jr. of the Tuscaloosa Circuit Court granted Bediako a
temporary restraining order Thursday and said he is "immediately eligible" to
participate in all team activities. Roberts also ruled the NCAA is "restrained
from threatening, imposing, attempting to impose, suggesting or implying any
penalties or sanctions" against Bediako, the Crimson Tide or its coaches and
players.
"This last week has been all right," Bediako said. "Me and coach Oats have had
a great relationship even when I left. Last week, it was the same thing, just
checking in on me. Everyone's been so welcoming since I've been back."
The temporary order is valid for 10 days. A full hearing on Bediako's request
for a preliminary injunction is scheduled for Tuesday, although the case could
end up getting moved to federal court. Alabama's next game is on Tuesday night
against Missouri at home.
Bediako is the first player with collegiate experience to sign an NBA contract
and get the chance to return to college basketball. The court case could alter
the framework of college basketball and the NBA draft and perhaps open the door
for more players with NBA experience to pursue another stint in college.
Bediako said it has been all "positive vibes" since he returned to the team
this week, even though he's still getting to know his teammates.
"Right now, I'm just focused on the team," Bediako said. "Obviously I'll
dissect what happened today, but right now my main focus is this next game and
getting focused with the team."
___
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