Players' Reaction to Bediako Returning to Alabama

Without playing a game this week, Alabama was the center of attention in the college basketball world as former Crimson Tide center Charles Bediako filed a lawsuit against the NCAA to return to college and finish out his five-year window with the Crimson Tide. Bediako then filed a temporary restraining order against the NCAA, stopping them from prohibiting him from playing in games. In short, Bediako is available to play for Alabama until his temporary restraining order is up (10 days from when it was filed) or until his injunction hearing takes place, which is currently scheduled for Tuesday, January 27.

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Bediako has never played in an NBA game but did sign a two-way contract with the Detroit Pistons, spending the last three seasons in the NBA G-League. While there are no players currently on the roster that have played with Bediako (none were on the roster for Alabama's Sweet 16 run during the 2023 NCAA Tournament), that hasn't stopped the team from welcoming Bediako back to Tuscaloosa and embracing what he can do for the team during his final semester.

"Our players are trying to win," Oats said. "Their goals are high. Charles is going to contribute to them winning, and he's a great guy. He's been an unbelievable teammate. Every kid that played with him his two years here loved playing with him. He's been welcomed in.

"Charles was here when some of these guys came on visits, so they know him. Charles has been around. He was here last year. When they played in Birmingham last week, he came down with their coaches and watched practice. I stay in touch with all our former players, so I've continued to talk to him through the years, and I love having our guys come back. So he's been a guy that's been around. They're pretty comfortable with him, and he fits in great."

Bediako's size brings immediate depth to the Crimson Tide's frontcourt. His seven-foot frame can help the Crimson Tide in rebounding and rim protection, which are two areas Alabama has struggled with this season. The final season Bediako was at Alabama (2022-23) was the last time Alabama had a KenPom defense rated higher than 28th in the country. Alabama's current KenPom defensive ranking is 65th.

According to reports earlier in the week, and according to Nate Oats during his Friday afternoon media availability, Bediako will suit up for the Crimson Tide and is expected to play on Saturday against the Tennessee Volunteers. It's Alabama's first game since last Saturday against the Oklahoma Sooners, an 83-81 win in Norman. Oats said that Bediako can play on the floor at the same time as current starting center Aiden Sherrell and reserve Noah Williamson, while allowing Taylor Bol Bowen and London Jemison to play their more natural position at the three.

Alabama men's basketball will face the Tennessee Volunteers in Coleman Coliseum on Saturday, January 24. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on ESPN.

Wyatt Fulton is the Tide 100.9 DME and Brand Manager, primarily covering Alabama Crimson Tide football and men's basketball. For more Crimson Tide coverage, follow Wyatt on X (Formerly known as Twitter) at @FultonW_.