After a controversial few weeks with “G-League dropout” chants becoming commonplace in opposing student sections, Alabama center Charles Bediako has officially been ruled ineligible to continue playing in the NCAA as of Monday.
The 23-year-old played for the Crimson Tide from 2021 to 2023 before declaring early for the NBA draft. After going undrafted, he signed a two-way contract with the San Antonio Spurs and played with their G League affiliate. His professional stint was short-lived, however, after a torn meniscus led to his release.
For most players, that would have marked the unfortunate end to their playing careers, but Bediako’s story took a different, more complicated turn.
The groundwork for Bediako’s attempted return to college hoops was laid in December 2025, when former 31st overall pick James Nnaji signed with Baylor University. He was granted four years of eligibility since he never actually signed an NBA contract. Nnaji instead played overseas, primarily with FC Barcelona, before joining Baylor this year.
This decision was controversial by itself, with many believing it goes against the spirit of amateurism. However, Nnaji technically didn’t violate the NCAA’s bylaws that prohibits entering the draft after enrollment, since had not already attended any college.
Unlike Nnaji, Bediako had already played two seasons of college basketball and signed an NBA contract. His situation was in clear violation of NCAA’s definition of an amateur, yet he pursued the issue further.
After the NCAA denied his eligibility request, Bediako filed suit in a Tuscaloosa court, arguing that he was being unfairly treated compared to international players. Large NIL deals suddenly skyrocketed after his time in college, and he believed he was unfairly missing out on significant money because he left and could not return.
A judge granted him a temporary restraining order that allowed him to play for Alabama as the case was sorted out. His return immediately ignited outrage across the sport.
“The rule is pretty clear but it’s very frustrating when somebody can go to court and get a decision and turn the whole thing on its head,” said NCAA President Charlie Baker at the time.
Fast forward to today, and that temporary window was closed. Bediako’s case was denied, ending his short-lived return to college basketball. Baker publicly supported this decision, stating, “Common sense won a round today.”
While Alabama is taking the majority of the criticism, professional players returning to college are becoming more and more common.
Santa Clara guard Thierry Darlan, for example, is a similar case to Nnaji. He played for the G League Ignite instead of attending college and spent time playing for the 76ers’ G League affiliate. Cases like this seem to be the true gray area: players who never attended college, trying to make the jump after briefly playing professionally.
And then there are players following in Bediako’s footsteps, such as former UCLA and Charlotte Hornets guard Amari Bailey, who has played 10 games in the NBA. Bailey has been visiting multiple Ddivision 1 programs, claiming that he is working towards receiving eligibility for next season.
The NCAA has already stated that they will not allow Bailey to return to college since he has signed an NBA contract. This means that much like Bediako, his appeal will need to go through the courts. However, after Bediako’s ultimate failure to stay in the NCAA, his denial may become the precedent for similar cases going forward.
The broader question remains, when will the line be drawn? As players receive more compensation and the difference between amateur and professional erodes, there needs to be a firm decision on when players, if at all, can return to college. While ultimately unsuccessful , Bediako’s story shows that the courts can override the NCAA’s bylaws, opening the door for similar cases to continue appearing as those who fail in the G League seek NIL contracts in college.
Allowing players who have signed NBA contracts could lead to significant changes in recruiting and roster construction going forward. These older players could be taking away spots that would be going to up-and-coming talents entering college the traditional way. If this were the case, we may see more players skip college and test the NBA waters first, then return if that fails. At this point, we aren’t far away from a world where college basketball becomes more like a secondary G League rather than a celebration of amateurism.
Right now, though, the NCAA has already drawn a line, and the courts upheld it this time. Whether that continues to be the case in the coming years remains to be seen, but right now, college basketball fans can breathe a sigh of relief.