Charles Bediako set to play vs. Tennessee Saturday

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Alabama Basketball head coach Nate Oats plans to play Charles Bediako this Saturday against Tennessee, sources told The Field of 68's Jeff Goodman.

The NCAA has ruled Bediako ineligible, but a temporary restraining order issued by Tuscaloosa County Judge James Roberts makes the Canadian immediately eligible to play for the Crimson Tide.

According to AL.com's Nick Kelly, the TRO will remain in effect for 10 days, effective beginning January 21, or until a hearing on the preliminary injunction is held. The 7-foot center currently has a hearing set for January 27, per Kelly, making him available to play for the Crimson Tide this Saturday.

In two years (2021-2023) with the Crimson Tide, Bediako averaged 6.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks across 70 appearances. In Alabama's historic 2022-2023 season, Bediako broke out as one of the country's best defenders, earning an All-SEC Defensive Team nod.

Bediako declared for the NBA draft following Alabama's Sweet 16 run in 2023, ultimately going undrafted. Bediako signed a two-way contract with the San Antonio Spurs following the draft, but only appeared for their G League affiliate, the Austin Spurs.

Bediako also signed G League deals with the Denver Nuggets and Detroit Pistons, but played only for their respective G League squads — never appearing in an NBA game.

Bediako isn't the first player to go through the entire draft process and opt to come back to school this season. James Nnaji was selected No. 31 overall by the Detroit Pistons in the 2023 draft and joined Baylor midseason.

Nnaji never signed an NBA contract, which led the NCAA to grant him four years of eligibility and open the door to Bediako's controversial return to Tuscaloosa.

Alabama tips off against Tennessee at 7:30 pm CT Saturday as the Crimson Tide jockey for position at the top of the SEC and Tennessee aims to keep its tournament hopes alive.

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