Judge Blocks Former NBA Draft Prospect from Playing for Alabama

Ruling could set a precedent for NCAA eligibility rules

Feb. 9, 2026 at 8:47pm

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A judge denied Charles Bediako's motion for a preliminary injunction that would have allowed him to continue playing basketball for the Alabama Crimson Tide after he returned despite declaring for the 2023 NBA Draft. Bediako, a 7-foot center, had played five games for Alabama this season before the ruling, which could have far-reaching implications for NCAA eligibility rules.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing debate around NCAA eligibility rules, particularly as they relate to players who have previously gone pro. The judge's decision upholds the NCAA's rules, but the university argues that the NCAA has been inconsistent in applying those rules across different programs.

The details

Bediako filed a lawsuit against the NCAA in order to return to the Crimson Tide squad, where he last played during the 2022-23 season. The NCAA initially denied Alabama's request to have Bediako on the roster, but he was granted a temporary restraining order in January that allowed him to return. However, the judge has now ruled against Bediako, ending his season after just five games.

  • Bediako declared for the 2023 NBA Draft after the 2022-23 season.
  • Bediako spent the past three seasons playing in the G League, including six games for the Motor City Cruise this season.
  • Bediako was granted a temporary restraining order in January 2026, allowing him to return to Alabama.
  • The judge denied Bediako's motion for a preliminary injunction on February 10, 2026.

The players

Charles Bediako

A 7-foot center who declared for the 2023 NBA Draft after playing for Alabama in the 2022-23 season, but went unselected. He has spent the past three seasons playing in the G League.

Nate Oats

The head coach of the Alabama Crimson Tide basketball team.

Greg Sankey

The commissioner of the Southeastern Conference (SEC).

John Calipari

The head coach of the Arkansas Razorbacks basketball team, who has criticized the current state of college basketball and the ability of former pro players to return to the NCAA.

Charlie Baker

The president of the NCAA.

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What they’re saying

“Common sense won a round today. The court saw this for what it is: an attempt by professionals to pivot back to college and crowd out the next generation of students. College sports are for students, not for people who already walked away to go pro and now want to hit the 'undo' button at the expense of a teenager's dream.”

— Charlie Baker, NCAA President

“I respectfully ask the Court to uphold the NCAA eligibility rules challenged in this case, which are essential to the integrity of college sports, to the educational mission they serve, and to the opportunities they provide for current and future student-athletes.”

— Greg Sankey, SEC Commissioner

“Does anybody care what this is doing for 17- and 18-year-old American kids? Do you know what this opportunity has done for them and their families? There aren't gonna be any high school kids. Who, other than dumb people like me, are gonna recruit high school kids?”

— John Calipari

What’s next

The judge's ruling could set a precedent for future cases involving former professional athletes seeking to return to college basketball. The NCAA and individual programs will likely continue to grapple with the complex issues surrounding eligibility rules and the evolving landscape of college sports.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tension between the NCAA's desire to preserve the integrity of college sports and the changing realities faced by student-athletes, particularly those who have already gone pro. The judge's decision upholds the NCAA's rules, but the debate over the appropriate balance between amateurism and player mobility is far from over.