Alabama's Bediako Appeals to Supreme Court for Immediate Eligibility

The eligibility saga of Charles Bediako continues as the former Alabama Crimson Tide center has appealed to the Alabama Supreme Court in an attempt to rejoin the team for the remainder of the 2025-26 season. This latest move comes two weeks after a Tuscaloosa County circuit court judge denied his request for a preliminary injunction against NCAA eligibility rules.

A Complex Path Back to the Court

Bediako initially played for Alabama during the 2021-22 and 2022-23 seasons before pursuing a professional career. He entered the NBA Draft pool, signed a two-way contract with the San Antonio Spurs, and also played in the NBA G League for the Austin Spurs, Grand Rapids Gold, and Motor City Cruise. Despite not appearing in an NBA game, Bediako sought to return to college basketball, arguing he remained within his five-year eligibility window.

Did You Know? In late January 2026, Bediako filed suit against the NCAA seeking “immediate preliminary and permanent injunctive relief.”

His initial attempt to secure an injunction was successful, with a temporary restraining order allowing him to play in five games from January 24 to February 7, where he averaged 10 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks while shooting 77%. However, this was short-lived. The judge who granted the initial order recused himself after it was discovered he was an Alabama donor.

The NCAA’s Stance

On February 9, Judge Daniel Pruet denied Bediako’s motion for a preliminary injunction. NCAA President Charlie Baker released a statement, asserting that the court “saw this for what We see: an attempt by professionals to pivot back to college and crowd out the next generation of students.” Baker also called for Congressional action to address what he described as a “national mess of state laws.”

Expert Insight: Bediako’s case highlights the growing tension between the NCAA’s amateurism model and the increasing professionalization of college athletics, as well as the challenges of navigating evolving eligibility rules in the era of the transfer portal and NIL deals.

Bediako’s legal team is now seeking “interim injunctive relief” from the Alabama Supreme Court, aiming to allow him to play immediately while the court considers the merits of his appeal. According to his attorney, David Holt, the request is intended to prevent the appeal process from becoming moot as the regular season concludes on March 7.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Charles Bediako seeking from the Alabama Supreme Court?

Bediako is seeking “interim injunctive relief” that would allow him to play for Alabama immediately while the court reviews his appeal of the lower court’s decision denying his request for a preliminary injunction.

Why did the initial injunction allowing Bediako to play get overturned?

The initial injunction was overturned by Alabama circuit court judge Daniel Pruet, who denied Bediako’s motion seeking a preliminary injunction against NCAA eligibility rules.

What was the NCAA’s reaction to the initial injunction?

NCAA President Charlie Baker stated that the court initially “saw this for what it is: an attempt by professionals to pivot back to college and crowd out the next generation of students” and called for Congressional action to address eligibility issues.

As the end of the regular season approaches, the Alabama Supreme Court’s decision will determine whether Bediako will have the opportunity to finish the season with the Crimson Tide.

Alabama’s Bediako Appeals to Supreme Court for Immediate Eligibility