Alabama coach Nate Oats says Charles Bediako would have helped in Sweet 16 loss

Bediako's eligibility battle defined Alabama's season before his return was cut short

Mar. 28, 2026 at 4:19am

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After Alabama's 90-77 loss to Michigan in the Sweet 16, Crimson Tide coach Nate Oats said former player Charles Bediako, who had a temporary restraining order to rejoin the team, would have helped with rebounding against the Wolverines. Bediako's fight for additional eligibility was a major storyline for Alabama this season before the courts ultimately denied his request to continue playing.

Why it matters

Bediako's eligibility saga was a major distraction for Alabama throughout the season, and his potential presence could have made a difference in the team's Sweet 16 loss where they were outrebounded by 13. The Crimson Tide have been a consistent NCAA Tournament team in recent years, making the Sweet 16 five times in the last six tournaments, so Oats' comments highlight how Bediako's absence impacted their chances of advancing further.

The details

Bediako, a former G-League player, was granted a temporary restraining order that allowed him to play five games for Alabama earlier this season, during which he averaged 10 points and 4.6 rebounds. However, that order eventually expired and a judge denied his motion for a preliminary injunction, ending his college career. In the loss to Michigan, Alabama was outrebounded 46-32 and gave up 13 offensive boards, something Oats believes Bediako could have helped with.

  • On March 27, 2026, Alabama lost to Michigan 90-77 in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament.
  • Bediako was granted a temporary restraining order that allowed him to play five games for Alabama earlier this season.
  • The temporary restraining order expired, and a judge denied Bediako's motion for a preliminary injunction, ending his college career.

The players

Nate Oats

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

Charles Bediako

A former G-League player who had a temporary restraining order to rejoin the Alabama basketball team this season, but was ultimately denied the ability to continue playing.

James Nnaji

An Alabama basketball player who was declared eligible to play this season.

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What they’re saying

“We know we've got to get bigger. Some of it was injuries and stuff that happened. When we saw the opportunity to bring some size on after all the adversity we went through and after (James) Nnaji was declared eligible and most people, including ourselves, thought if they were going to declare Nnaji eligible that Bediako would be eligible. We had one judge who thought so. He would've definitely helped the situation with the rebounding...We would not have gotten out-rebounded by 13 tonight had we been able to continue to play him.”

— Nate Oats, Alabama head coach

“It wasn't meant to be. God had something different in store for us.”

— Nate Oats, Alabama head coach

What’s next

The Alabama basketball program will need to address its frontcourt needs in the offseason, as the loss of Bediako was a significant blow to their rebounding and interior presence.

The takeaway

Bediako's eligibility saga was a major distraction for Alabama all season, and his potential presence could have made a difference in their Sweet 16 loss to Michigan where they were outmatched on the boards. The Crimson Tide have been a consistent NCAA Tournament team in recent years, so this missed opportunity stings, but they will look to reload in the offseason to build on their strong program.