Judge Rules Alabama's Charles Bediako Ineligible to Play

7-foot center's motion for preliminary injunction denied, ending his collegiate basketball season

Feb. 9, 2026 at 7:07pm

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An Alabama circuit judge has denied basketball player Charles Bediako's motion for a preliminary injunction, ending the 7-foot center's collegiate eligibility and his season with the Crimson Tide. Bediako was playing under a temporary restraining order that allowed him to join Alabama in the middle of the season despite questions regarding his collegiate eligibility.

Why it matters

This ruling upholds the NCAA's eligibility rules and prevents professional players from easily returning to college basketball, which the NCAA sees as protecting the integrity of the student-athlete model. However, it also highlights the ongoing tensions between the NCAA, players, and state laws around athlete compensation and eligibility.

The details

Bediako, a 23-year-old former NBA G League player, was averaging 10 points, 4.6 rebounds and 1.4 blocks in five games for Alabama before the judge's ruling. He had sued the NCAA in an effort to regain his eligibility after leaving Alabama for the 2023 NBA draft, signing a two-way NBA contract, and playing the last three seasons in the G League.

  • On February 9, 2026, an Alabama circuit judge denied Bediako's motion for a preliminary injunction.
  • Bediako had been playing under a temporary restraining order since the middle of the current season.

The players

Charles Bediako

A 7-foot center who played two seasons at Alabama from 2021-2023 before entering the NBA draft, signing a two-way contract, and playing in the G League for the past three seasons.

Daniel Pruet

The Alabama circuit court judge who denied Bediako's motion for a preliminary injunction, ending his collegiate eligibility.

Charlie Baker

The NCAA President who said he was glad the court upheld the NCAA's rules, stating "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."

Greg Sankey

The SEC Commissioner who has made it clear he opposes Bediako's reinstatement.

Nate Oats

The Alabama basketball coach who said Bediako will be allowed to remain on scholarship and work toward a college degree, regardless of the court's decision.

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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

What’s next

The judge's ruling ends Bediako's collegiate eligibility and season with Alabama. The university has not commented on the decision.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between the NCAA, players, and state laws around athlete compensation and eligibility. While the court upheld the NCAA's rules in this instance, it also underscores the need for clearer national guidelines to provide stability in college sports.