Former college basketball star Charles Bediako has been cleared to return to the Alabama basketball program, despite signing multiple NBA contracts since leaving early for the NBA following the 2022-23 season.
Bediako filed a complaint in Tuscaloosa Circuit Court on Tuesday.
On Wednesday, AL.com’s Nick Kelly reported that Bediako has been granted a temporary restraining order and is immediately eligible to participate in all Alabama basketball activities and games.
Kelly added that a hearing has been set for Jan. 27 after Bediako requested a preliminary injunction. That hearing will determine if Bediako can continue to play for Alabama, but in the meantime, the 7-foot center is cleared to play when the Crimson Tide host Tennessee Saturday night.
Charles Bediako, a Canada native, played at Alabama from 2021-23 before declaring for the NBA Draft. He started 67 of the 70 games he played in across those two seasons, averaging 6.6 points, 5.2 rebounds and 1.7 blocks per game.
He went undrafted in the 2023 NBA Draft, before signing with the San Antonio Spurs for Summer League. He later agreed to a two-way deal with San Antonio.
In 2024, Bediako was on the Orlando Magic’s Summer League roster. He later signed with the Denver Nuggets. Bediako then signed a deal with the Pistons ahead of the 2025-26 season before being waived.
The NCAA released a statement about Bediako’s eligibility Tuesday night.
“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,” the statement said.
“Eligibility rules ensure high school students get a shot at earning scholarships, and we will continue to consistently apply and defend these rules.”
However, now Bediako has been cleared to return to college basketball, at least for now.