TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) — Alabama No. 17 Charles Bediako made two quick baskets Saturday night against Tennessee in his first college game in nearly three years.
The 7-footer started the game with 16:11 left in the first half, earning a standing ovation and scoring with dunks and layups after his first touch of the ball. He then blocked the ball hard, triggering a fast break and dunking.
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The 23-year-old center played two days after a Tuscaloosa judge temporarily reinstated his college eligibility and prevented the NCAA from retaliating against his return.
Bediako entered the NBA draft in 2023 but was not selected. He has since signed several NBA developmental contracts, including last week playing for the Motor City Crews of the NBA Development League.
Bediako spent two seasons (2021-23) at the University of Alabama, averaging 6.6 points, 5.2 rebounds and 1.7 blocks per game, and helped the Crimson Tide reach the NCAA tournament twice. Earlier this week, he sued the NCAA in an effort to have his college eligibility reinstated.
The NCAA rejected Alabama’s initial request and again objected to Bediaco’s return. Other coaches also expressed concern about the development.
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James H. Roberts Jr. of Tuscaloosa Circuit Court issued a temporary restraining order against Bediako on Thursday and said he was “immediately eligible” to participate in all team activities. Roberts also ruled that the NCAA may not “threaten, impose, attempt to impose, imply or imply any penalty or sanction” against Bediaco, the Crimson Tide or its coaches and players.
Temporary orders are valid for 10 days. A full hearing on Bediako’s request for a preliminary injunction is scheduled for Tuesday, though the case may eventually be moved to federal court.
Bediako told a website for the school’s NIL collective that coach Nate Oats has a plan to help him get up to speed.
“I’m ready to help these guys win and impart some of my knowledge to them,” Bediaco told Yea-Alabama.com. “We have a great group of players. I think we can win it all. I’m as excited as they are.”
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Bediaco is the first player with college experience to sign an NBA contract and have the opportunity to return to college basketball. The court case could change the framework of college basketball and the NBA draft, and could open the door for more players with NBA experience to further their education in college.
Bediako said it’s been a “positive vibe” since he returned to the team this week, although he’s still getting to know his teammates.
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