Charles Bediako Makes History in CBB Return with Alabama After Signing NBA Contract

Alabama center Charles Bediako officially became the first player with college experience to sign an NBA contract and return to college basketball after he checked in during the Crimson Tide's clash with Tennessee on Saturday.

Bediako previously played two seasons at Alabama from 2021-23 before departing the school early for the 2023 NBA draft. He went undrafted and never played in an NBA game despite signing a two-way contract with the San Antonio Spurs.

He's suited up for for three different G League teams over the past three seasons, opening his 2025-26 campaign with the Motor City Cruise.

Alabama's initial request for Bediako's eligibility was denied by the NCAA, but the 23-year-old sued the NCAA to gain immediate reinstatement and was able to participate in Saturday's game after he was granted a temporary restraining order by a Tuscaloosa Circuit Court judge.

Shifting eligibility has been an early theme of the 2025-26 college basketball season, with the NCAA allowing Thierry Darlan to play in college despite signing with the G League Ignite out of high school.

Two months later, former NBA draft pick James Nnaji was also able to enroll at Baylor after playing internationally and never appearing in an NBA contest.

As for Bediako, he scored eight points and blocked one shot in 11 minutes during the first half against Tennessee.