Charles Bediako’s second campaign with Alabama is over.
A Tuscaloosa judge on Monday denied Bediaco’s motion for a preliminary injunction that would have allowed him to continue playing for the Crimson Tide, according to AL.com’s Nick Kelly. So his season is now over.
“Common sense won the day today,” NCAA President Charlie Baker said in a statement. “The court saw this for what it is: professionals trying to get back into college and squeezing out the next generation of students. College sports are for students, not for those who have left to become pros and now want to hit the ‘undo’ button at the expense of their teenage dreams. While we’re glad the court upheld the rules our members really wanted, a victory won’t solve the nationwide mess of state laws. It’s time for Congress to stop sitting on the sidelines and help us provide some real stability.”
Bediaco filed a lawsuit against the NCAA in order to return to Alabama, where he last played during the 2022-23 season earlier this year. Bediako entered the 2023 NBA draft but was not selected. The 7-footer has spent the past few seasons in the G-League and even appeared in six games this season for the Motor City Crews.
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Bediaco was granted a temporary restraining order in January, allowing him to play again for the Crimson Tide. He officially returned a few days later and had 13 points and 3 rebounds in a loss to Tennessee. Bediaco has played in five games total for Alabama, most recently in Saturday’s win over Auburn.
But now, Alabama will have to play the rest of the season without him. The Crimson Tide improved to 16-7 heading into Wednesday’s game against the University of Mississippi.
Bediaco isn’t the first professional player to try to return to the college basketball ranks. Baylor signed former NBA draft pick James Nagy in December, drawing strong condemnation from coaches and others. Nagy is the first former draft pick to be cleared to play at the collegiate level, although he has never actually played in an NBA game, instead playing for FC Barcelona since 2020. Two other G League players, Thierry Darlan and London Johnson, will play next season in Santa Clara and Louisville, respectively.
This article will be updated soon with more information.