As the Alabama Crimson Tide prepare to take on the Tennessee Volunteers on Saturday night, the buzz surrounding the college basketball world over the past few days has centered on Charles Bediako.
Bediaco, a former Alabama basketball player, made headlines earlier last week when he sued the NCAA over his plans to rejoin the Crimson Tide, a move that sent shockwaves throughout the sports world. Bediaco also was granted a temporary restraining order, making the former Alabama standout immediately eligible for Saturday’s game against Tennessee.
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The question remains, however, will Bediako actually play for Alabama on Saturday against Tennessee, and if so, how much will he be paid to appear?
Alabama head coach Nate Oates addressed the question Friday while addressing the media during his press conference before the Tennessee game.
“We plan on playing him,” Oats said. “He is eligible to compete. We will comply with the court order.”
Bediaco played for the Crimson Tide for two seasons in 2021-22 and 2022-23, averaging 6.6 points, 5.2 rebounds and 1.7 blocks per game while shooting 67.3% from the field. As a center, Bediako started 67 of 70 games over two seasons and was named to the 2022-23 SEC All-Defensive Team.
After his sophomore season, Bediaco declared for the 2023 NBA Draft, where he will go undrafted. The center has since spent the past three seasons in the NBA Development League.
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The Crimson Tide and Volunteers will meet this Saturday, January 24th, inside Coleman Coliseum in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Kickoff is 8:30 pm ET on ESPN.
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This article originally appeared on Roll Tide Wire: Alabama basketball center Charles Bediako set to face Tennessee Vols