Nate Oats Says System 'Clearly Broken,' Defends Charles Bediako's Return

TUSCALOOSA, AL — Alabama men’s basketball coach Nate Oats said Friday the NCAA’s eligibility system is “clearly broken” as former Crimson Tide standout and NBA G League competitor Charles Bediako aims to play following a court ruling earlier this week that allowed him to compete for Alabama.

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Oats defended Alabama’s decision to support Bediako, who was ruled legally eligible after Tuscaloosa County Circuit Court Judge James Roberts issued a temporary restraining order that effectively rejected the NCAA’s attempt to block his return to college basketball.

As Patch previously reported, a hearing on Bediako’s request for a preliminary injunction is scheduled for Jan. 27 in Judge Roberts’ courtroom at the Tuscaloosa County Courthouse.

The case has drawn national attention amid growing scrutiny of how the NCAA treats former professional players, particularly Americans, compared to international athletes.

“I’m all for figuring out a way to fix it,” Oats said. “But since the NCAA has already allowed professionals to play, you tell me how I’m supposed to tell Charles and the team that we’re not going to support him when he’s been deemed legally eligible to play.”

Oats went on to point out that Bediako, 23, remains within his five-year eligibility window, is enrolled at Alabama pursuing his degree and fills an open roster spot.

The coach then emphasized that Bediako’s return does not take away opportunities from high school recruits or other players who have been on the team since the start of the season.

“Charles shouldn’t be punished for choosing to go the academic route out of high school rather than the professional route like the international players did,” Oats said.

The case follows a broader national trend in which former professionals, including players from the EuroLeague and the NBA G League, have been ruled eligible to compete in college. Oats pointed specifically to Baylor center James Nnaji, a former NBA draft pick who played three years professionally overseas before being cleared to play college basketball.

“The EuroLeague is the second-best league in the world behind the NBA,” Oats said. “You’ve got guys playing four years there, making good money, then coming over and being eligible. Then you tell an American kid who chose an academic institution that he’s not eligible? That’s hypocrisy.”

Oats said Alabama assumed Bediako would be deemed eligible through the NCAA’s review process and was comfortable proceeding after the court ruling earlier this week.

“We’re going to follow the court orders,” Oats said. “He’s eligible to play, and we’re planning to play him.”

Oats said Bediako was quickly welcomed back by the team, noting that several current players were familiar with him from earlier stints in Tuscaloosa.

“He’s been around,” Oats said. “He fits in great.”

Oats also addressed criticism surrounding the high-profile case, saying he avoids social media during the season to remain focused.

“Everybody’s going to have their opinions,” he said. “I’m focused on our team and what we need to do to get better.”

When asked whether Bediako’s situation could become a landmark case for college athletics, Oats downplayed its broader significance, calling it one of several similar eligibility decisions nationwide.

“I don’t think it’s a landmark case,” Oats said. “It’s just another step toward equal treatment.”

Ultimately, Oats said the NCAA must adopt a clear, uniform eligibility system that treats American and international players equally.

“We need a transparent system that doesn’t give preferential treatment,” he said. “Once they figure that out, it’ll be great but they’ve got to get there.”

The Crimson Tide will return to action Saturday in Coleman Coliseum against Tennessee.

Tipoff is set for 7:30 p.m.

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