Alabama Supreme Court Denies Bediako Injunction

The Alabama Supreme Court on Friday denied former professional basketball player Charles Bediako's emergency motion for an interim injunction, preventing him from rejoining the University of Alabama men's basketball team for the remainder of the season while he appeals a lower court's ruling on his NCAA eligibility.

Bediako, a 23-year-old, 7-foot center from Brampton, Ontario, Canada, played two seasons for the Crimson Tide from 2021 to 2023, averaging 6.6 points, 5.2 rebounds and 1.7 blocks per game. He helped Alabama reach the NCAA Tournament both years before declaring for the 2023 NBA Draft, where he went unselected. Bediako then signed a two-way contract with the San Antonio Spurs but was released without playing in an NBA game. He spent the next three seasons in the NBA G League, the league's developmental system.

Seeking to return to college basketball, Bediako and university officials requested NCAA approval, arguing he remained within his five-year eligibility window. The NCAA denied the waiver, prompting Bediako to file a lawsuit against the organization in Tuscaloosa County Circuit Court. In January, Judge James H. Roberts Jr. issued a temporary restraining order that...