Charles Bediako’s second stint as an Alabama basketball player is over. Tuscaloosa circuit county judge Daniel Pruet rejected Bediako’s request motion for a preliminary injunction against the NCAA, AL.com‘s Nick Kelly first reported Monday evening.
The decision ends the temporary restraining order that made Bediako eligible returning the Alabama center to his previous status as ineligible.
Bediako played two years at Alabama before declaring for the 2023 NBA Draft. After going undrafted, Bediako signed a two-way contract with the San Antonio Spurs. He has not played in the NBA, rather spending the last 2.5 years in the G League in the Spurs, Denver Nuggets and Detroit Pistons organization.
Bediako played in five games for Alabama and started two, averaging 10 points, 4.6 rebounds and 1.4 blocks in 21.6 minutes per game. The Crimson Tide went 3-2 in those five games. Bediako’s first game back was against Tennessee where he totaled 13 points, three rebounds and two blocks.
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“You tell me how I am supposed to tell Charles and the team that we’re not going to support him when he’s been deemed legally eligible to play,” Oats said. “Charles is still within his five year window. He’s 23-years old. He’s pursuing his degree here at Alabama. We’ve got a roster spot open so this is not taking any opportunities away from a high school recruit or anybody else. … I know Charles will draw a lot of attention for this game but we are going to play him. He’s eligible to play. We’re going to follow the court orders.”
In his decision, Pruet stated that the NCAA does not “inconsistently” enforce its rules on professional athletes playing college sports because no one has ever been allowed to leave college and then return after playing professional sports.
Asked about Bediako’s eligibility before facing Alabama, Tennessee head coach Rick Barnes stated a similar argument.
“To me, it’s simply everybody comes to college and they have college eligibility,” Barnes said. “When you make the choice to give up your college eligibility, you’ve given it up … once they start that clock and they made that choice, they’ve made that choice.”
Tennessee defeated Alabama 79-73 last month in Tuscaloosa but faces off again on Feb. 28 in Knoxville. The Vols have currently won five straight games in the series. Tennessee currently boasts a 16-7 (6-4 SEC) record while Alabama is also 16-7 (6-4 SEC).
