The amount of outside noise surrounding the Alabama Crimson Tide and Charles Bediako's reunion is absolutely absurd and overplayed.
Bediako never played in an actual NBA game and was never actually drafted into the league, only signing a G-League contract with the San Antonio Spurs before bouncing around to a few other farm teams over the last three years.
Not to mention, Bediako still had two years of eligibility remaining. So, the debate should be over, Bediako has returned to college basketball, and other people, such as Florida head coach Todd Golden, need to focus on their own teams.
Charles Bediako has returned to college, it's time to end the debate
When he joined The Field of 68 podcast earlier this week, Golden unnecessarily reinforced the fact that he disagrees with Bediako's return to college, even though it had already happened, and his distaste for the move didn't matter.
"There has to be a distinction between international and American guys," Golden said. "It's a much different system. I don't think a G-Leaguer and a guy who played youth pro overseas is a fair comparison."
Professional basketball players from overseas join college teams all the time and are considered true freshmen with all four years of eligibility available. So, what's really the difference between someone who never played a second in the NBA and someone who played in the EuroLeague, for example?
Golden's argument has no actual basis, and at the end of the day, it's too late for him to be arguing against Bediako's return in the first place.
More from Todd Golden on the Charles Bediako situation 👀
— The Field of 68 (@TheFieldOf68) January 29, 2026
"There has to be a distinction between international and American guys. It's a much different system. I don't think a G-Leaguer and a guy who played youth pro overseas is a fair comparison"
🎥: https://t.co/ItYAlCmJQO pic.twitter.com/bFOMWzEgnu
Bediako has already checked into two games for the Tide, including a start against the Missouri Tigers on Tuesday, Jan. 27. So far, he has averaged 13.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, 1.5 steals, and 1.0 blocks per appearance.
Unless the NCAA negates Bediako's eligibility, the senior center is here to stay, and it's time for people to move on from Nate Oats, the Crimson Tide, and any of Alabama's players (no matter their status).