Charles Bediako Sues NCAA to Reclaim College Basketball Career

Charles Bediako, a former Alabama men’s basketball player, just got the green light to rejoin the Crimson Tide—immediately. A Tuscaloosa County Circuit Court judge issued a temporary restraining order against the NCAA, so Bediako can jump back into practices and games right away.

This twist adds a whole new layer to the debate over eligibility rules for college athletes, especially for those who already dipped a toe into the professional world.

The Legal Battle: Bediako vs. NCAA

Bediako spent the last three years in the G League after declaring for the 2023 NBA Draft. The NCAA’s rules say if you sign an NBA contract, even a two-way deal, you can’t come back to college sports.

Bediako’s lawsuit pushes back, arguing these rules just don’t make sense and aren’t fair.

The Temporary Restraining Order

Judge James H. Roberts Jr. granted Bediako a temporary restraining order that’ll last 10 days. This happened just a day after Bediako filed his lawsuit.

The order blocks the NCAA from enforcing its eligibility rules on Bediako, so he’s clear to rejoin Alabama’s team right now. There’s a hearing set for January 27 to talk about a longer-term injunction.

Background: Bediako’s Journey

Bediako, a 7-foot center from Brampton, Ontario, played for Alabama from 2021 to 2023. He averaged 6.6 points and 5.2 rebounds in 70 games.

He declared for the 2023 NBA Draft with two seasons left, but no team picked him. He ended up signing a two-way contract with the San Antonio Spurs and bounced around several G League teams, most recently in December 2025.

Even with his pro experience, he hasn’t actually played in an NBA game.

The NCAA’s Stance

The NCAA stands firm: sign an NBA contract, and you’re out of college sports. In a statement, the NCAA said letting former pros return would take spots from high schoolers.

They also called for government help to enforce their eligibility rules.

Implications for College Sports

If Bediako plays for Alabama, it could open the door for other athletes in similar situations. Lately, more former G League players and international pros are showing up in college basketball, which really highlights how much eligibility rules are changing.

Take James Nnaji, for example. He was a 2023 draft pick and just got four seasons of eligibility at Baylor—even after playing in the NBA Summer League.

Arguments in Bediako’s Favor

Bediako’s motion says he’d face *irreparable harm* if he can’t play. He’d miss out on big competitive, financial, and educational opportunities.

He’s enrolled at the University of Alabama, and this semester is his last shot under the current rules.

• Competitive Opportunities: Missing out on playing time and development.
• Financial Opportunities: Potential earnings from NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals.
• Educational Opportunities: Completing his degree while playing.

The Broader Debate

The eligibility of athletes like Bediako and Nnaji has stirred up college sports, with critics calling the NCAA’s rules outdated. Coaches, athletes, and legal experts are getting pretty vocal about the need for change.

Calls for Collective Bargaining

Arkansas coach John Calipari recently wrote an op-ed supporting collective bargaining as a fix for college sports. He thinks it would make the process of deciding eligibility and compensation a lot more transparent and fair.

Honestly, that idea’s catching on as more cases like Bediako’s come up.

The Future of College Athletics

Bediako’s case marks a big moment in the debate over athlete eligibility and compensation. College sports keep evolving, and the rules have to keep up.