Why Is Charles Bediako Still With Alabama Even After NCAA Ineligibility? Head Coach Nate Oats’ Decision Explained

Charles Bediako has been one of the most talked-about names in college basketball right now. Bediako sued the NCAA in January 2026 after it denied his request to regain his college basketball eligibility after going undrafted in the 2023 NBA Draft. He was granted a temporary restraining order and played five games for Nate Oats’ Alabama.

However, his request for a preliminary injunction was denied on Monday, which left him ineligible again.

But even though Bediako is unable to play, Alabama head coach Nate Oats confirmed that he would remain with the team and shared his reasons for the decision.

“(Bediako) helps the scout team. … He’s a student-athlete at Alabama and will be treated as such. He practiced with us today,” Nate Oats announced.

Oats also said that Bediako is focused on finishing his degree at Alabama.

In the five games that he played this season, Bediako averaged 10.0 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks for the Crimson Tide.

Fans react to Charles Bediako remaining with Alabama

Fans were divided on the matter of fairness and how things would work for Alabama and Charles Bediako.

“Is it legal for a player to be on a team if he is not eligible?” One fan said.

“Oats just going to defy every rule I guess. Probably still paying him too. Pathetic,” one fan blamed.

“How the hell can an ineligible player participate in team events? So any college team can bring in former players to help the team prepare for games? Alabama and Nate oats are a match made in heaven for each other. Cheaters to no end,” another said.

“Much respect to Coach Oats for his support of Bediako,” one fan showed support.

“Use that NIL money to fix that dang gap! Woof,” another commented.

“Making him work for his scholarship,” one fan joked.

Alabama has gone 2-0 since the ruling on Bediako’s ineligibility. They blew out Ole Miss 93-74 on Wednesday, then beat South Carolina 89-75 on Saturday to improve to 18-7 (8-4 SEC) on the season.

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