Florida Fans Taunt Alabama's Bediako with 'G League Dropout' Chants

The controversial player's return to college basketball has sparked debate over NCAA eligibility rules.

Published on Feb. 3, 2026

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In a 100-77 loss to Florida, Alabama's 7-foot center Charles Bediako was the target of taunting chants from the Gators' student section, who referred to him as a "G League dropout." Bediako is suing the NCAA in an attempt to regain his college eligibility after leaving school early in 2023 to enter the NBA Draft, where he went undrafted but signed a two-way contract with the San Antonio Spurs. His return to the 23rd-ranked Crimson Tide has sparked debate over NCAA rules regarding players with professional experience.

Why it matters

Bediako's case could set a precedent that alters the framework of college basketball and the NBA Draft, potentially opening the door for more players with NBA experience to pursue another stint in college. This raises concerns about the NCAA's eligibility rules and how they are applied, especially when it comes to American players versus international players.

The details

In his third collegiate game this season and first on the road, Bediako put up 6 points, 7 rebounds, 4 blocks and 2 turnovers before fouling out in the waning minutes. Florida center Rueben Chinyelu mostly handled Bediako in the paint and pumped up the home crowd as the Alabama newcomer left the floor. Florida Coach Todd Golden has been an outspoken critic of Bediako's return to college, and the Gators' players and sold-out crowd backed their coach's stance.

  • Bediako left school early in 2023 to enter the NBA Draft.
  • Bediako signed a two-way contract with the San Antonio Spurs and spent the past three years in the G League.
  • A Tuscaloosa judge granted a temporary restraining order that allows Bediako to compete for Alabama, at least until an injunction hearing can be held.

The players

Charles Bediako

A 7-foot center for the Alabama Crimson Tide who is suing the NCAA in an attempt to regain his college eligibility after leaving school early in 2023 to enter the NBA Draft, where he went undrafted but signed a two-way contract with the San Antonio Spurs.

Rueben Chinyelu

The Florida Gators' center who mostly handled Bediako in the paint and pumped up the home crowd as the Alabama newcomer left the floor.

Todd Golden

The Florida Gators' head coach, who has been an outspoken critic of Bediako's return to college basketball.

Nate Oats

The head coach of the Alabama Crimson Tide, who argued that Bediako should be treated no differently than the dozens of players who played professionally in Europe before enrolling in college in the United States.

Amari Bailey

A former UCLA guard who plans to try to become the first player to return to college after playing NBA games, after being drafted in the second round by the Charlotte Hornets in 2023.

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What they’re saying

“You have very passionate fan bases in the SEC, and fans are going to do what they do. I expected something similar to that.”

— Nate Oats, Alabama Crimson Tide Head Coach

“I wasn't even thinking about it. I was just playing basketball. He fouled, he fouled. That's about it. It's basketball. But I don't think we emphasized getting him out of the game.”

— Rueben Chinyelu, Florida Gators Center

“We're going to beat them anyways”

— Todd Golden, Florida Gators Head Coach (Fan event)

What’s next

An injunction hearing will be held to determine if Bediako can continue to compete for Alabama while his lawsuit against the NCAA is pending.

The takeaway

Bediako's case has sparked a debate over the NCAA's eligibility rules and how they are applied, particularly when it comes to American players with professional experience versus international players. This could set a precedent that alters the framework of college basketball and the NBA Draft, potentially opening the door for more players to pursue a return to college after playing professionally.