This week, the return of Alabama forward Charles Bediako after spending time in NBA’s G-League has been one of, if not the most talked about story in all of college basketball.
Bediako is the latest professional basketball player to have regained college eligibility, following a lawsuit filing and [being granted a temporary restraining order](https://www.al.com/alabamabasketball/2026/01/charles-bediako-granted-temporary-restraining-order-to-return-to-alabama-mens-basketball.html), given a green light to return to Tuscaloosa.
Before [Bediako takes the court and plays vs. Tennessee](https://www.al.com/alabamabasketball/2026/01/nate-oats-defends-decision-to-play-charles-bediako-system-is-clearly-broken.html) on Saturday, the NCAA VP of basketball, Dan Gavitt issued a statement.
“Several years ago, the NCAA membership updated rules regarding how student-athletes can gather information while making a decision on whether to enter the NBA draft or withdraw from the process to maintain their collegiate eligibility.
To participate in the draft without losing eligibility, college players must request an evaluation from the NBA Undergraduate Advisory Committee.
They also can participate in the NBA Draft Combine without compromising their eligibility, and agents certified by the National Basketball Player’s Association and the NCAA can pay for meals and transportation for players and their families during the agent selection process and for meetings with pro teams. Players have until 10 days following the NBA Draft Combine (late May) to decide whether to remain in the draft or return to compete in NCAA basketball. Players who remain in the draft forfeit college eligibility.
If these rules surrounding the NCAA pre- and post-draft rules cannot be enforced, it would create an unstable environment for the student-athletes, schools building a roster for the following season and the NBA.
The NCAA membership has a set of rules in place regarding the pre- and post-NBA draft eligibility that have clearly been in place and supported by all parties until these recent court challenges."
Bediako and Alabama face Tennessee on Saturday night at 7:30 p.m. CT on ESPN.