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Myron Medcalf
multiple authors
alabama basketball player Charles BediakoThe 7-foot center’s college career is over again after an Alabama judge denied his motion for a preliminary injunction on Monday, ending his season with the Crimson Tide.
Judge Daniel F. Pruitt ended Bediako’s bid to gain eligibility despite leaving Alabama for the NBA Draft in 2023, signing a two-way NBA contract and playing the previous three seasons in the G League.
Pruitt ruled that Bediako did not have a “reasonable expectation” that he would be allowed to return to college basketball, while no other player was granted eligibility under similar circumstances.
Bediako, who averaged 10.0 points and 4.6 rebounds in five games with Alabama this season, was given a first-of-its-kind second chance to play college basketball last month when another judge granted him a temporary restraining order.
That decision allowed him to join Alabama mid-season – three years after he was the defensive anchor for a team that boasted a top-three defense in 2022-23, Bediako’s second and final season with the team before entering the 2023 NBA Draft.
In Monday’s decision, Pruitt ruled that Bediaco had failed to meet the criteria for a preliminary injunction that would have allowed him to play the remainder of the 2025–26 season because he had “failed to establish that he will suffer irreparable harm,” he had “failed to establish that he has no adequate remedy at law without the issuance of an injunction” and he also “failed to demonstrate that he has at least one on the final merits.” has a reasonable chance of success” among claims that the NCAA violated antitrust laws in their case.
The judge also said that the case “is not about whether Plaintiff can be paid to play basketball, but for whom,” citing the money he earned at the professional level, Bediako claimed that he would miss out on revenue-sharing opportunities if he was not given the chance to return to college basketball.
The judge also ruled that Bediako was subject to NCAA rules.
“In order to receive the benefits promised to him for participating in NCAA basketball, Plaintiff must be eligible to participate in NCAA basketball,” the judge said. “Eligibility to participate in the NCAA is controlled by the defendant’s application of the eligibility rules set forth by the NCAA membership.”
This decision is a significant victory for the NCAA.
After many European prospects playing professional basketball were granted eligibility, other players associated with American pro teams began seeking similar opportunities. Several G-League players and 2023 NBA draft pick James Nnaji were deemed eligible by the NCAA this season. But the NCAA fought Bediako’s case out of fear that his renewed eligibility would open the door to allow other athletes with NBA experience to return to college basketball and avoid NCAA rules.
NCAA President Charlie Baker said in a statement, “Common sense won a round today. The court saw this for what it is: an effort by professionals to drive the way back into college and out the next generation of students.” “College sports are for students, not for those who already went on to become professionals and now want to hit the ‘undo’ button at the expense of a teenager’s dream. While we’re glad the court upheld the rules our members really want, a win doesn’t fix a national mess of state laws. It’s time for Congress to stop watching from the sidelines and help provide us with some real stability.”
Bediako’s agent Daniel Green did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
