Alabama's Bediako ruled ineligible again after brief return

Kentucky great Jamal Mashburn criticizes Tide coach Nate Oats' defense of the decision

Feb. 11, 2026 at 3:55am

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Alabama center Charles Bediako, who had briefly returned to the team after being granted a temporary restraining order, was ruled ineligible again after a judge denied his request for a preliminary injunction. Crimson Tide coach Nate Oats defended the decision to allow Bediako to play, but Kentucky legend and TNT analyst Jamal Mashburn strongly disagreed with Oats' rationale.

Why it matters

Bediako's eligibility saga has been a major storyline in college basketball this season, with Alabama fighting to keep the big man on the court despite his attempts at a professional career. Oats' comments have drawn criticism for seemingly downplaying the benefits of professional development compared to the college game.

The details

Bediako went undrafted in 2023 after forgoing his college eligibility, signing a two-way contract with the San Antonio Spurs but being waived due to a torn meniscus. He later had tryouts with the Orlando Magic, Denver Nuggets and Detroit Pistons but never appeared in an NBA game. Despite this, the NCAA denied his request to regain his college eligibility, leading Bediako to sue the organization. He was granted a temporary restraining order on Jan. 21, allowing him to suit up for Alabama for five games, but that gambit came to an end on Monday when a judge denied his request for a preliminary injunction, rendering him ineligible once more.

  • On January 21, Bediako was granted a temporary restraining order, allowing him to play for Alabama.
  • On February 6, a judge denied Bediako's request for a preliminary injunction, making him ineligible again.

The players

Charles Bediako

An Alabama basketball player who attempted to regain his eligibility after forgoing it to pursue a professional career.

Nate Oats

The head coach of the Alabama Crimson Tide basketball team, who defended the decision to allow Bediako to play despite his ineligibility.

Jamal Mashburn

A former Kentucky basketball star who is now an analyst for TNT and criticized Oats' defense of the Bediako decision.

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What they’re saying

“He's selling a lot there. From what he said about — obviously the money's better — you're not going to become a better pro by going down to play in college. It's just not happening. The pro game is a different game.”

— Jamal Mashburn, TNT Analyst

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

— Nate Oats, Alabama Head Coach

What’s next

Bediako's attorney, Darren Heitner, has vowed to continue fighting for the center to regain his eligibility.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complexities of NCAA eligibility rules and the challenges faced by student-athletes who pursue professional opportunities. It also sparks a debate over the relative merits of college basketball versus professional development pathways.