charles bediako alabama NCAA.

Charles Bediako scored two quick baskets for No. 17 Alabama in his first college action in nearly three years against Tennessee. The 7-footer checked into the game with 16:11 to play in the first half and got a rousing ovation. He scored on a dunk and a layup in his first touches. The 23-year-old center played two days after a Tuscaloosa judge temporarily reinstated his college eligibility and blocked the NCAA from retaliating for his return. Bediako entered the NBA draft in 2023 but was not selected. He has signed several NBA developmental contracts since, including playing for the Motor City Cruise in the NBA’s G League as recently as last week.

Ex-Alabama player Charles Bediako, who has spent the past 2 1/2 years competing in the NBA Summer League and G League, had his college eligibility temporarily reinstated by a judge who blocked the NCAA from retaliating for his return to the 17th-ranked Tide. Bediako had signed several NBA developmental contracts since going undrafted in 2023. He played two seasons at Alabama, averaging 6.6 points, 5.2 rebounds and 1.7 blocks a game, and helped the Crimson Tide make the NCAA Tournament twice. James H. Roberts Jr. of the Tuscaloosa Circuit Court granted Bediako a temporary restraining order.