TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Charles Bediako is set to play against Tennessee on Saturday. This comes after a local judge reinstated his college eligibility, even as Alabama coach Nate Oats criticized the NCAA system as “broken.”
Bediako, a 23-year-old center, practiced with the 17th-ranked Crimson Tide after the ruling. He entered the NBA draft in 2023 but wasn’t selected. Since then, he has played with several development leagues, including the G League last week.
The NCAA has rules stating that players who remain in the draft past a certain deadline lose their college eligibility. Dan Gavitt, the NCAA’s vice president of basketball, emphasized that allowing exceptions could disrupt the framework for student-athletes, schools, and the NBA.
Bediako spent two successful seasons at Alabama, averaging 6.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks. He recently filed a lawsuit against the NCAA to regain his eligibility after the organization rejected Alabama’s request.
Judge James H. Roberts Jr. granted Bediako a temporary restraining order, allowing him to participate in team activities. This order prevents the NCAA from imposing any penalties on him or the Alabama program. However, it is only valid for ten days, and a full hearing is scheduled for Tuesday.
Oats voiced his frustration, stating that the current system is problematic. He pointed out that other players, like Baylor’s James Nnaji, have received different treatment when returning from professional leagues. Nnaji was selected in the 2023 draft but never signed an NBA contract, yet he became eligible to play for Baylor after spending time abroad.
Some fellow coaches have expressed concern over the implications of reinstating Bediako. Florida’s coach questioned the judge’s decision, while Tennessee’s Rick Barnes insisted that once a player declares for the draft, they forfeit their college eligibility.
As the situation unfolds, it raises questions about fairness and consistency in NCAA rules. Coaches, players, and fans are closely watching how this case impacts the landscape of college basketball.
For more insights into NCAA policies and their effects, you can explore NCAA’s official page.
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