Bediako Granted Temporary Restraining Order, Immediately Eligible to Play for Alabama

On Wednesday morning, former Alabama basketball star Charles Bediako was granted a temporary restraining order against the NCAA, making him immediately eligible to play for the Crimson Tide. According to Nick Kelly of AL.com, the restraining order will remain in effect for 10 days or until a hearing on the motion for a preliminary injunction is conducted. Bediako currently has a hearing set for January 27, according to Kelly's report.

Bediako hasn't played college basketball since the 2022-23 season for Nate Oats and the Crimson Tide, and is seeking eligibility for what would be his final semester of college (spring 2026). Bediako filed a lawsuit against the NCAA with the Tuscaloosa Circuit Court on Tuesday.

Bediako is not the first former NBA player to regain collegiate eligibility. James Nnaji of Baylor was drafted with the 31st overall pick in the 2023 NBA draft, but has never played in an NBA game and did not sign a two-way contract, resulting in the NCAA granting him four seasons of eligibility.

Bediako did sign a two-way contract with the Detroit Pistons, but has never appeared in an NBA game, and his only minutes have come in the NBA G-League. However, the NCAA is using the two-way contract as a proverbial "line in the sand" to determine if a player can return.

The NCAA released a statement on Tuesday night regarding Bediako:

"The NCAA is aware of media reports about a lawsuit filed against the NCAA by Charles Bediako. Mr. Bediako signed three NBA contracts after competing in college for two seasons.

"The NCAA has not and will not grant eligibility to any prospective or returning student-athletes who have signed an NBA contract. Eligibility rules ensure high school students get a shot at earning scholarships, and we will continue to consistently apply and defend these rules."

Alabama plays Tennessee in Coleman Coliseum on Saturday night, and Bediako will be eligible to play against the Volunteers.

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_.