Despite no ruling from an Alabama circuit judge on Friday, Charles Bediako was eligible to play Saturday’s game against Auburn, where he quickly became the focus of the home crowd’s jeers. The Alabama center, who returned last month after nearly three years in the G League, was taunted by Auburn fans with a “G League drop-out” chant as he took free throws early in the second half.
Background on Bediako’s Journey and Current Status
Bediako left Alabama in 2023 to enter the NBA Draft but went undrafted, subsequently signing several contracts within the G League. Over the 2024-25 season, he started all 34 games for the Grand Rapids Gold, averaging 10.4 points and 9.4 rebounds, and has appeared in six games this season with the Motor City Cruise, coming off the bench for 15.7 minutes per game. He is currently in a legal battle with the NCAA to restore his college eligibility and was granted a temporary restraining order last month, enabling him to participate in five Crimson Tide games so far.
Performance Highlights Despite the Intense Atmosphere
During Alabama’s narrow 96-92 win over Missouri, Bediako contributed significantly by hitting all five field goal attempts and two of three free throws, finishing with 12 points, along with three rebounds and a steal. Although he started earlier games this season, he came off the bench in the recent matchup at Auburn.
Significance of the Incident and What Lies Ahead
The taunting directed at Bediako underscores the intense rivalries and emotional stakes in college basketball, particularly amid ongoing debates about player eligibility and the transition from professional leagues back to NCAA competition. How the circuit judge’s pending decision will affect Bediako’s status remains uncertain, but his presence on the court continues to attract significant attention from opposing fans and media alike.
Auburn fans chanted “G-League drop out” at former NBA player Charles Bediako. pic.twitter.com/d7vbz8ZE4B
— ESPN
Auburn fans chanted "G-League drop out" at former NBA player Charles Bediako. pic.twitter.com/d7vbz8ZE4B
— ESPN (@espn) February 7, 2026
