Alabama's Bediako Ruled Ineligible After NCAA Tournament Exit

Crimson Tide coach Nate Oats laments loss of center's size and rebounding ability in Sweet Sixteen defeat.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 3:49am

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Alabama suffered a season-ending 90-77 loss to Michigan in the Sweet Sixteen of the 2026 NCAA Tournament. In the loss, the Crimson Tide were out-rebounded 46-32. After the game, head coach Nate Oats discussed the rebounding disparity and the team's loss of center Charles Bediako due to eligibility issues in February.

Why it matters

Bediako's ineligibility was a significant blow to Alabama, as the 6-foot-11 center was a key contributor on the boards. His absence was felt in the Sweet Sixteen loss, where the Crimson Tide struggled to match Michigan's size and physicality inside.

The details

In January, Tuscaloosa County Circuit Court Judge James Roberts granted Bediako a temporary restraining order against the NCAA, allowing him to play at the collegiate level again. However, on Feb. 9, Bediako's eligibility was revoked after Tuscaloosa County judge Daniel Prue denied him an injunction. After exploring multiple avenues, Bediako dropped his lawsuit against the NCAA on March 16.

  • On January 1, 2026, Tuscaloosa County Circuit Court Judge James Roberts granted Bediako a temporary restraining order against the NCAA.
  • On February 9, 2026, Tuscaloosa County judge Daniel Prue denied Bediako an injunction, revoking his eligibility.
  • On March 16, 2026, Bediako dropped his lawsuit against the NCAA.

The players

Nate Oats

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

Charles Bediako

A 6-foot-11 center who played for the Alabama Crimson Tide men's basketball team.

James Roberts

A Tuscaloosa County Circuit Court judge who granted Bediako a temporary restraining order against the NCAA.

Daniel Prue

A Tuscaloosa County judge who denied Bediako an injunction, revoking his eligibility.

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What they’re saying

“We know we got to get bigger. Some of it was some injuries and stuff that happened. We saw the opportunity to bring some size on, after all the adversity we went through. After [Baylor forward James] Nnaji was declared eligible, most people, including ourselves, thought if they're going to declare Nnaji eligible, that Bediako would be eligible. And, had one judge that thought so. He would have definitely helped the situation with the rebounding.”

— Nate Oats, Head Coach, Alabama Crimson Tide

“We would not have gotten out rebounded by 13 tonight had we been able to continue to play him, because him and [Aiden] Sherrell would have played together a lot more and they can both rebound. But, it wasn't meant to be. Got had something different in store for us. Our guys handled the adversity with the lineups well. I mean, I couldn't be more proud of a group.”

— Nate Oats, Head Coach, Alabama Crimson Tide

What’s next

The NCAA has not provided any further details on Bediako's eligibility case or the reasoning behind the decision to rule him ineligible after the Crimson Tide's NCAA Tournament elimination.

The takeaway

Bediako's ineligibility was a major setback for Alabama, as his size and rebounding ability were sorely missed in the Sweet Sixteen loss to Michigan. The Crimson Tide's inability to overcome this adversity highlights the importance of roster depth and the challenges teams can face when key players are ruled ineligible late in the season.