Charles Bediako’s return to Alabama reshapes college basketball after NBA stints
A new rule is allowing former college basketball players to return to the NBA after stints in professional leagues. One such player, 7-foot rim protector Charles Bediako, has rejoined Alabama Crimson Tide under coach Nate Oats. The move comes as teams adjust to the temporary restraining order preventing the NCAA from blocking these returns.
Meanwhile, other programmes are facing challenges with similar additions, while some coaches remain hesitant about giving ex-players immediate court time.
Charles Bediako, once a key player in Alabama’s 2021 SEC championship run, is back with the Crimson Tide. The 23-year-old spent time in the G-League with the Motor City Cruise after brief developmental stints with the Spurs, Magic, Nuggets, and Pistons. His return follows a court order that stops the NCAA from penalising players for coming back to college basketball.
Alabama coach Nate Oats initially resisted the idea of playing G-League returnees. He worried about setting a precedent where struggling NBA players might see college as an easy way back. But with Bediako now eligible and proven—he averaged 5.2 rebounds per game in his first college stint—Oats has deployed him for competitive reasons. Elsewhere, the impact of such returns has been mixed. Baylor added G-League player James Nnaji six games ago, only to lose five of their last six matches. At USC, Chad Baker-Mazara, who has played for four different colleges, joined an underperforming Big Ten team. Meanwhile, James Madison, led by Curt Cignetti, won the FCS national title by blending players from diverse backgrounds, including transfers from Cal and Iona. Not all returnees have found success. Quarterback Nico Iamaleava left Tennessee for UCLA after a strong season, but the Bruins struggled, leading to the coach’s dismissal. The situation highlights the risks for both players and programmes when bringing back experienced but unproven talent.
The temporary restraining order has opened the door for players like Bediako to return without NCAA penalties. Coaches now face decisions about balancing loyalty to current rosters with the potential benefits of experienced returnees. How these players perform could shape future rules—and the competitiveness of college basketball.
