Be advised, this is an opinion piece, but one that does not purposely distort facts. For the Alabama basketball team, the addition of Charles Bediako is a boost. Nate Oats needs another big body, especially one who can likely produce more than two who were already on the roster.
The Alabama basketball program and the University of Alabama probably did not need the controversy that adding Bediako has provided. The story is different for many Alabama Crimson Tide basketball fans. Having Tuscaloosa as ground zero for disdain and even outright hate of the Alabama Crimson Tide is satisfying. Many Alabama fans are beyond being comfortable with being hated, even to the point of enjoying it.
How much boost for the Alabama Basketball?
Alabama Basketball may or may not win against Tennessee because of Bediako's play. If Alabama wins, a later court reversal on his eligibility could mean the NCAA would vacate a Crimson Tide win. That could happen soon enough for it to diminish Alabama's NCAA Tournament resume.
There is also a chance that Bediako will play for the rest of the 2025-26 season. Many former professional players are members of college basketball teams this season. Bediako might be considered a tad more professional from his G League play, but he has never played in an NBA game.
The delicious irony of this debate is that every player competing in Coleman Coliseum on Saturday night will be a professional player. Most central to the definition of being a professional is that a person is paid for work. Like Alabama, all the puke orange-clad players in the game are paid for their services.
The next Alabama vs. Florida game was going to be huge before the Bediako furor hit. It will be even bigger now. Todd Golden might be the least-liked opposing SEC basketball coach for many Alabama fans. Asked about the Bediako eligibility debate, Golden said, "They were able to finagle it where they got a judge that’s actually an Alabama donor to write a temporary restraining order… We’re gonna beat them anyways. If he plays, we’ll beat them anyways."
Thanks to Todd, Nate Oats will not have to worry about his team lacking intensity in Gainesville on Feb.1.
More details about professional players and NCAA eligibility waivers are available here.