Charles Bediako
Charles A. Bediako Jr. is a Canadian college basketball player for the Alabama Crimson Tide of the Southeastern Conference.
During the 2025–26 college basketball season, Bediako became notable for being the first player to have played NCAA basketball, subsequently signed a two-way deal with an NBA team, before returning to again play basketball collegiately.
High school career
Bediako began his high school career at Ridley College, playing alongside his brother Jaden. As a junior, Bediako transferred to Andrews Osborne Academy. Bediako transferred to IMG Academy for his senior season. He averaged 13.2 points and 12.7 rebounds per game. Bediako was named to the Jordan Brand Classic roster.Recruiting
Bediako was a consensus four-star recruit and one of the top centers in the 2021 class. On April 6, 2021, he committed to playing college basketball for Alabama over offers from Duke, Michigan, Texas and Ohio State.College career
As a freshman, Bediako averaged 6.7 points, 4.3 rebounds and 1.7 blocks per game. He was named to the SEC All-Freshman Team.On March 31, 2023, Bediako announced he was entering the NBA Draft pool and signing with an agent while maintaining his eligibility. On May 24, 2023, Bediako announced he had decided to forgo his remaining collegiate eligibility and persist in the NBA draft.
Bediako completed pre-draft workouts with the Memphis Grizzlies, Portland Trail Blazers, Utah Jazz, Oklahoma City Thunder, Dallas Mavericks, San Antonio Spurs, Charlotte Hornets, Boston Celtics, and Toronto Raptors.
Bediako competed in the NBA G League Elite Camp in Chicago from May 13–14, 2023. However, he did not earn an invitation to the NBA Draft Combine. At the Elite Camp, Bediako was measured at 6 foot 10 without shoes and weighed 223.4 pounds. He also recorded a massive 7-foot-3 wingspan.
On January 21, 2026, Bediako was granted a temporary restraining order by a Tuscaloosa County judge, which allowed him to return to play basketball for the University of Alabama.
Professional career
Austin Spurs (2023–2024)
After going undrafted in the 2023 NBA draft, Bediako joined the San Antonio Spurs for the 2023 NBA Summer League and on October 2, 2023, he signed with them. On October 23, his deal was converted into a two-way contract. On December 29, he was waived by the Spurs after suffering a torn meniscus. He didn't play for San Antonio, but made 11 appearances with the Austin Spurs, averaging 7.7 points and 6.9 rebounds in 19.0 minutes.On March 7, 2024, Bediako rejoined the Austin Spurs.