Judge rules that Charles Bediako is ineligible to play college basketball for the Tide

February 9, 2026 – TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – A Tuscaloosa judge has ruled that fifth year senior Center Charles Bediako was not harmed by the NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) rule that prevents professional basketball players from coming back and playing college basketball.

Bediako played two seasons for the University of Alabama from 2021 to 2023. He then declared for the NBA draft. He was not drafted but did sign a two-way contract with the San Antionio Spurs. He played three seasons in the G-League, playing his last game in January. Bediako enrolled in classes at the University of Alabama last month. Tide Coach Nate Oats welcomed Bediako with open arms.

When the NCAA said that under their rules he has no eligibility left, Bediako turned to the circuit court in Tuscaloosa. The presiding judge issues Bediako a temporary restraining order (TRO) to keep the NCAA from enforcing their rule allowing Bediako to play even though the NCAA had ruled him ineligible. That TRO was extended after the NCAA attorneys were unable to attend the first hearing because of bad weather. The NCAA asked that that judge recuse himself because even though he never attended the University of Alabama he was a prominent Tide booster what has donated $150,000 to the University 's athletic department. The case was reassigned to Judge Daniel Pruet.

Pruet heard arguments from both sides on Thursday and Friday. He waited until the end of the day on Monday to issue his ruling. He rejected Bediako's attorney's argument that Bediako needs an athletic scholarship to continue his education and he rejected the argument that he needs the waiver of the NCAA rule in order to keep playing basketball. He could afterall go back to the G-League or play overseas if no NBA team has need of his services.

Pruet denied Bediako's request for a preliminary injunction effectively ending his brief return to college basketball.

Bediako has appeared in five games for the Crimson Tide, where he averaged 10 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks. He had 12 points and six rebounds in Saturday's game win against Auburn. Bediako went 5 for 5 from the floor boosting the Tide to a 96 – 92 win over the Tigers.

Now that Bediako has been ruled ineligible, it remains to be seen whether or not the NCAA will force Alabama to vacate their wins against Auburn, Texas A&M, and Missouri.

Bediako's legal team is expected to appeal, but it seems unlikely that the court will over overturn Pruet's ruling in time for Bediako to rejoin the Tide this season.

The ruling emphasized the NCAA's argument that allowing former professionals to "pivot back to college" would undermine competitive fairness and potentially displace younger athletes. NCAA President Charlie Baker praised the decision, calling it "common sense" and warning that college sports are for students, not for those who "walked away to go pro and now want to hit the 'undo' button."

The University of Alabama issued a statement expressing disappointment in the judge's decision:

"We are disappointed in today's court ruling, denying the injunction for Charles Bediako. While we understand the concern around competitive and developmental implications of former professional athletes participating in college, it is important to acknowledge reality. The NCAA has granted eligibility to over 100 current men's basketball players with prior professional experience in the G League or overseas. Granting eligibility to some former professionals, and not to others, is what creates the havoc we are currently in and why consistency from decision-makers is so desperately needed."

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