Bruce Pearl couldn’t believe it.
Ex-Alabama player Charles Bediako, who has spent the past 2 1/2 years competing in the NBA Summer League and G League, had his college eligibility temporarily reinstated Wednesday by a judge who blocked the NCAA from retaliating for his return to the 17th-ranked Tide.
Pearl posted a reaction on X that detailed the Bediako news.
“Is this true or is this AI?” Pearl posted.
Pearl wasn’t the only one reacting to the news.
Bediako had signed several NBA developmental contracts since going undrafted in 2023. He played two seasons (2021-23) at Alabama, averaging 6.6 points, 5.2 rebounds and 1.7 blocks a game, and helped the Crimson Tide make the NCAA Tournament twice.
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Pearl also shared a post from OutKick founder Clay Travis.
“A current NBA G league player has been ruled eligible by a Tuscaloosa court to begin play immediately for Alabama,” Travis posted. “What are we doing here? We have guys leaving pro teams to play college basketball. Someone needs to sign Luka.”
Bediako signed a two-way NBA contract with San Antonio in 2023. Although he has never played in an NBA game, he has taken part in developmental leagues with the Spurs, Orlando, Denver and Detroit.
Bediako sued the NCAA earlier this week after the sanctioning body denied Alabama’s appeal to allow him to return to college basketball.
His case comes after the NCAA cleared international players with professional experience and other players who were in the NBA’s developmental G League.
In his initial complaint against the NCAA, Bediako cited the eligibility of Baylor center James Nnaji, who was the 31st pick in the 2023 NBA draft and was cleared to return to college basketball in December. Nnaji played in the NBA’s Summer League and spent multiple years with FC Barcelona of the Euroleague.
Bediako’s initial complaint stated that the NCAA has been biased toward international players with professional experience who have been cleared to play college hoops in recent years.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.