Alabama Basketball Player Appeals NCAA Eligibility Ruling

Charles Bediako seeks to play remainder of season as case heads to state Supreme Court

Feb. 24, 2026 at 6:09am

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Basketball center Charles Bediako is asking the Alabama Supreme Court to let him play the rest of the season for the University of Alabama Crimson Tide. Bediako, who spent two seasons at Alabama before playing in the NBA G-League, filed an appeal after a Tuscaloosa judge ruled against him in his lawsuit challenging the NCAA's denial of his request to return to collegiate competition.

Why it matters

Bediako's case highlights the ongoing tensions between student-athletes, universities, and the NCAA over eligibility rules. The outcome could set an important precedent regarding the NCAA's authority to determine player eligibility, especially for athletes who have already turned professional.

The details

Bediako, who averaged 6.6 points, 5.2 rebounds and 1.7 blocks per game in his two seasons at Alabama, wasn't selected in the 2023 NBA draft but played for the Motor City Cruise in the G-League. He returned to Alabama this season and filed a lawsuit against the NCAA after it denied the university's request to allow him to return to collegiate competition. A judge initially issued a temporary restraining order allowing Bediako to play, but a subsequent judge ruled against him, writing that Bediako 'failed to demonstrate that he is entitled to the injunctive relief that he seeks.' Bediako is now appealing that decision to the Alabama Supreme Court.

  • Bediako spent the 2021-23 seasons playing for the University of Alabama.
  • Bediako was not selected in the 2023 NBA draft but played for the Motor City Cruise in the G-League.
  • Bediako returned to Alabama this season and filed a lawsuit against the NCAA.
  • On February 9, 2026, a judge ruled against Bediako, ending his temporary playing status.
  • On February 24, 2026, Bediako filed an appeal with the Alabama Supreme Court.

The players

Charles Bediako

A basketball center who played two seasons at the University of Alabama before playing in the NBA G-League, and is now appealing an NCAA eligibility ruling that would prevent him from playing the remainder of the 2026 season.

Daniel Pruet

The Tuscaloosa Circuit Court judge who ruled against Bediako, writing that he 'failed to demonstrate that he is entitled to the injunctive relief that he seeks.'

Charlie Baker

The NCAA President who has opposed Bediako's reinstatement.

Greg Sankey

The SEC Commissioner who has opposed Bediako's reinstatement.

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What they’re saying

“Without interim injunctive relief, the whole purpose for Plaintiff's appeal — the ability to play basketball for the University of Alabama for the remainder of play in 2026 — will be null.”

— David W. Holt, Lawyer representing Charles Bediako

What’s next

The Alabama Supreme Court will hear Bediako's appeal, with a decision likely coming before the end of the 2026 college basketball season.

The takeaway

Bediako's case underscores the complex and often contentious relationship between student-athletes, universities, and the NCAA over eligibility rules. The outcome could set an important precedent regarding the NCAA's authority to determine player eligibility, especially for athletes who have already turned professional.