Key Highlights
- He checked into the game amid a rousing ovation with 16:11 to play and helped the Crimson Tide score 26 points in the paint while building a 39-36 lead at the break.
- He scored on an inbounds pick-and-roll play, two alley-oop passes and a layup.
- His emphatic block ignited a fast break that led to a dunk. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe 23-year-old center played two days after a Tuscaloosa judge temporarily reinstated his college eligibility and blocked the NCAA from retaliating for his return. Bediako entered the NBA draft in 2023, but he was not selected.
- He has signed several NBA developmental contracts since, including playing for the Motor City Cruise in the NBA’s G League as recently as last week. Bediako spent two seasons (2021-23) at Alabama, averaging 6.6 points, 5.2 rebounds and 1.7 blocks, and helped the Crimson Tide make the NCAA Tournament twice.
- He sued the NCAA earlier this week in hopes of having his college eligibility reinstated. The NCAA denied Alabama’s initial petition and has repeated its objection to Bediako's return.