Alabama Coach Stands by Bediako Despite Ineligibility Ruling

Nate Oats says supporting the player was the "right thing to do" despite NCAA's decision.

Feb. 10, 2026 at 5:39pm

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Alabama men's basketball head coach Nate Oats expressed continued support for player Charles Bediako, even after a court denied Bediako's request for a preliminary injunction that would have allowed him to remain eligible. Oats said the team's decision to bring Bediako back was "100% worth it" to help the player, who had played professionally in the G-League, focus on his development and degree.

Why it matters

The case highlights the ongoing debate around NCAA eligibility rules, particularly for players who have spent time in professional leagues before returning to college. Oats argued Bediako's situation was different from European players deemed eligible, raising questions about the NCAA's application of its rules.

The details

On Monday, a Tuscaloosa judge ruled against Bediako's request for a preliminary injunction, siding with the NCAA's decision that his time in the G-League made him ineligible. Despite the ruling, Oats said the team's decision to bring Bediako back was still the right move, arguing the player lost weight and development opportunities in the G-League compared to the resources available in college.

  • On Monday evening, Tuscaloosa Circuit Court Judge Daniel F. Pruet denied Alabama basketball's Charles Bediako's preliminary injunction.
  • On Tuesday afternoon, during his media availability prior to Alabama's matchup with Ole Miss on Wednesday night, Oats addressed Bediako's ineligibility.

The players

Nate Oats

The head coach of the Alabama men's basketball team.

Charles Bediako

An Alabama basketball player who previously played in the NBA G-League and was denied eligibility to play for the Crimson Tide this season.

Daniel F. Pruet

The Tuscaloosa Circuit Court judge who ruled against Bediako's request for a preliminary injunction.

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What they’re saying

“100%. There was an opportunity to help one of our former players out. He was within his five-year window. He's trying to get his degree. Here's the thing, too. My job as a head coach is to try to do the right thing by our guys. Charles is one of our guys.”

— Nate Oats, Alabama Men's Basketball Head Coach

“It's not the case. It would be nice if everybody who's commenting, writing, talking about this actually educated themselves on the reality of the situation. The reality of the situation is, Charles left here with his body looking pretty good at 235. He went to the G-League. You don't get the same treatment you do. There's a reason ... there's a lot of G-League players trying to come back to college. The money's a lot better. The development is a lot better. You get a full-time dietician, full-time strength coach, you're not traveling on commercial flights, spending all your time in airports, not being able to develop.”

— Nate Oats, Alabama Men's Basketball Head Coach

What’s next

The NCAA's decision on Bediako's eligibility is expected to impact other players who have spent time in professional leagues before returning to college basketball.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing debate around NCAA eligibility rules and the challenges faced by players who have gained professional experience before returning to the college game. Oats' unwavering support for Bediako underscores the complex issues at play and the need for more nuanced approaches to evaluating player eligibility.