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Alabama's Nate Oats Disappointed in Bediako Eligibility Ruling
Crimson Tide center Charles Bediako will not be able to play this season after a judge ruled against his eligibility case.
Feb. 9, 2026 at 8:07pm
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Alabama basketball head coach Nate Oats expressed disappointment in a judge's decision to deny an injunction that would have allowed center Charles Bediako to continue playing this season. Bediako, a former professional player in Europe, had argued he should be eligible under NCAA rules, but the judge sided with the NCAA's defense. Oats criticized the NCAA's inconsistent application of eligibility rules and said the courts need to force the NCAA to change its system.
Why it matters
Bediako was a key player for Alabama last season and his continued eligibility was important for the Crimson Tide's success this year. The case highlights ongoing debates around the NCAA's handling of international player eligibility and the need for reform in the organization's rules.
The details
Tuscaloosa County judge Daniel Pruet ruled in favor of the NCAA, ending Bediako's eligibility for the remainder of the season. Bediako had played in five games for Alabama this year, averaging 10 points, 4.6 rebounds and 1.4 blocks per game. He was a member of the All-SEC Freshman and All-Defensive teams in his first two seasons with the Crimson Tide.
- On Monday, judge Pruet ruled against Bediako's injunction request.
- Bediako played in 70 games (67 starts) for Alabama from 2021-23.
The players
Nate Oats
The head coach of the Alabama men's basketball team.
Charles Bediako
A center for the Alabama Crimson Tide basketball team who previously played professionally in Europe.
Daniel Pruet
The Tuscaloosa County judge who ruled against Bediako's eligibility case.
James Nnaji
A Baylor player who was previously a professional in Europe but was ruled eligible by the NCAA.
What they’re saying
“Obviously super disappointed. Disappointed in the whole thing, to be honest with you. I didn't think it ever should have gotten to court. I thought the NCAA should have made him eligible based on over a hundred current college basketball players [being] former professionals, most of them over in Europe. Some in the G-League. Guys being drafted. Rights owned by NBA teams, as in [Baylor's] James Nnaji being eligible to play.”
— Nate Oats, Alabama Basketball Head Coach
“Hopefully, at some point, somebody is going to win a ruling like this. It wasn't here today. But at some point, somebody will win one and change the system because that's how it has to get changed in the NCAA. They don't make changes on their own, typically.”
— Nate Oats, Alabama Basketball Head Coach
What’s next
The judge's ruling ends Bediako's eligibility for the remainder of the 2023-24 season. Alabama will have to continue the season without the services of their starting center.
The takeaway
This case highlights the ongoing issues with the NCAA's inconsistent application of eligibility rules, particularly for international players. It underscores the need for the courts to force the NCAA to reform its system, as the organization has shown it is unwilling to make changes on its own.
