The line between eligibility enforcement and legal intervention just got thinner in college basketball. In that shifting landscape, Alabama center Charles Bediako has become the latest test case for how far eligibility rules can stretch under NIL-era scrutiny.

The latest in a long list is NBA G League Center Charles Bediako. Bediako has been playing for the Motor City Cruise in the NBA G League after going undrafted in 2023. However, the 23-year-old will now return to the Alabama Crimson Tide, having previously played college basketball for them.

What Is the Charles Bediako TRO Case?

University of Alabama had submitted an internal request to the NCAA to grant Charles Bediako eligibility to represent the Crimson Tide in the current season. The NCAA denied Alabama’s initial internal request to grant Bediako immediate eligibility. However, Bediako challenged the decision by filing a lawsuit against the NCAA in the Tuscaloosa Circuit Court.

Who Issued Charles Bediako’s TRO? Everything to Know About the Judge

Judge James “Jim” Roberts Jr. issued a temporary restraining order that paused the NCAA’s denial of Alabama’s eligibility request for Bediako this season. Judge Roberts earned his undergraduate degree from the University of South Florida and his law degree from Samford University’s Cumberland School of Law.

What Is the Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) in the Charles Bediako Case?

Charles Bediako has been cleared to return to the Alabama Crimson Tide after being granted a temporary restraining order in favour of his appeal against the NCAA. The TRO temporarily freezes the NCAA’s denial while the case proceeds.

This will allow Bediako to mark his return to the Alabama Crimson Tide Men’s College Basketball Team in the upcoming match against Tennessee.

Top Stories

Scottie Scheffler Injures Fan in the Head at American Express as Painful Moment Is Caught on Camera

‘Hideous’: Jason Day Sparks Outrage With Outfit Choice at PGA Tour Season Debut

Greg Biffle’s House Burglary Suspect Identified After Officials Release Security Camera Footage – Report

Scottie Scheffler Wastes No Time in Breaking Tiger Woods Record Following PGA Tour Season Debut

John Harbaugh Fires Giants Coach Battling Cancer as Ravens Block Staff Poaching

Josh Allen’s Strong Stance on Sean McDermott’s Exit Revealed After Owner Shared Bills QB’s Role in HC’s Firing

Fact Check: Is the Judge Linked to Alabama?

Questions have surfaced about whether Judge James “Jim” Roberts Jr. has ties to the Crimson Tide Foundation. The Crimson Tide Foundation’s public donor listings include an individual identified as “Honorable Jim Roberts.” While Judge Jim Roberts did not ever study at the University of Alabama, he is a frequent guest lecturer there, according to the university’s Legal Education website.

Charles Bediako spent two years with the Alabama Crimson Tide before declaring himself for the NBA Draft in 2023. A dominant presence in the paint, the Center averaged 1.7 blocks and 5.2 rebounds per game during his two years at Alabama, while also contributing to the scoreboard with a scoring average of 6.6 points.

The Alabama Crimson Tide currently boasts an overall record of 11-5 this season, which places them at 6th in the Southeastern Conference right now. While the Crimson Tide has performed admirably on the offensive half of the court, its inability to get stops on the defensive end still rankles.

Alabama has only two Centers listed on their roster in the form of freshman Collins Onyejiaka and Latvia-born senior Noah Williamson. The latter is a transfer from the Bucknell Bison but has seen his numbers drop at Alabama. Additionally, Onyejiaka will need time to adjust to Nate Oats’ fast-paced play style.

In Charles Bediako, the Crimson Tide gains an experienced big man with previous experience playing under Nate Oats, which is likely to allow the Head Coach to use Bediako right away. His rim protection and rebounding immediately address Alabama’s thinnest position group as SEC play continues.