Now we’ve reached an apparent boiling point, with Charles Bediako — a former Alabama player who signed a two-way contract with the San Antonio Spurs<\/a> — suing the NCAA for denying his request and being granted a temporary restraining order<\/a> that allows him to play for 10 days. (Note: Alabama has not announced whether Bediako will join the team.)<\/p>\n With a preliminary injunction scheduled for Tuesday, here’s what we know about Bediako’s case, and other eligibility cases involving former pros.<\/p>\n Jump to: Charles Bediako<\/a> | James Nnaji<\/a> | G League cases<\/a> | NCAA eligibility rules<\/a><\/p>\n How was Bediako granted eligibility? <\/p>\n Bediako sued the NCAA<\/a> after Alabama’s initial request for his eligibility was denied. He was granted a 10-day restraining order by a Tuscaloosa (Alabama) Circuit Court judge allowing him to immediately join Alabama on Wednesday.<\/p>\n In his lawsuit, Bediako cited multiple G League players who have recently been cleared by the NCAA, as well as Nnaji. His lawsuit stated that the NCAA has been biased toward international players with professional experience over American players who had also pursued professional careers at various levels. Bediako stated he would have stayed at Alabama had he known he could benefit from revenue sharing and NIL opportunities. He also pointed to injuries and his struggles to find a spot at the next level.<\/p>\n Editor’s Picks<\/p>\n 2 Related<\/p>\n How long will Bediako be eligible to play college basketball?<\/p>\n The temporary restraining order is valid for 10 days. A full hearing on Bediako’s request for a preliminary injunction will happen Tuesday at 9 a.m. ET.<\/p>\n If approved, Bediako can only play through the rest of the 2025-26 season, as the NCAA only allows athletes to finish their four seasons in a five-year window (he started his college career in 2021).<\/p>\n What is distinct about Bediako’s situation? <\/p>\n Unlike the other players, Bediako did previously play college basketball, at Alabama (2021 through 2023). He also signed a two-way contract with an NBA team, although he has not played in an NBA game.<\/p>\n He also sued the NCAA for the right to play, whereas others have been granted eligibility directly from the NCAA.<\/p>\n What is the NCAA’s response to Bediako’s waiver?<\/p>\n The NCAA is sticking to its original decision to not allow eligibility to any player who has signed a two-way contract with an NBA team. But, as it has in other cases, the NCAA has also acknowledged the limitations of its authority in a fluid landscape.<\/p>\n “These attempts to sidestep NCAA rules and recruit individuals who have finished their time in college or signed NBA contracts are taking away opportunities from high school students,” the organization said Wednesday. “A judge ordering the NCAA to let a former NBA player take the court Saturday against actual college student-athletes is exactly why Congress must step in and empower college sports to enforce our eligibility rules.”<\/p>\n How was James Nnaji granted eligibility? <\/p>\n The NCAA cleared Nnaji to join Baylor in late December.<\/p>\n How long will Nnaji be eligible to play college basketball? <\/p>\n Nnaji, who had never played college basketball, was granted four years of eligibility.<\/p>\n 2:56<\/p>\n Calipari goes on epic rant over state of college basketball<\/p>\n Arkansas coach John Calipari is fed up with the current state of college basketball and the eligibility rules.<\/p>\n What is distinct about Nnaji’s situation?<\/p>\n Nnaji is the first former NBA draft pick to be allowed to play college basketball. He was selected 31st in the 2023 draft, though ultimately only played in summer league games (2023 and 2025). He never played an official NBA game.<\/p>\n Like other former European pros who have joined the college ranks, Nnaji also spent the past five years playing overseas for FC Barcelona.<\/p>\n What was the response to Nnaji being granted eligibility? <\/p>\n Michigan State’s Izzo told the media<\/a> “shame on the NCAA” for clearing a drafted player. Arkansas’ Calipari was critical of the NCAA<\/a> for allowing players with any professional experience to play at the college level. And UConn coach Dan Hurley tweeted<\/a> “Santa Claus is delivering mid season acquisitions…this s*** is crazy!!”<\/p>\n Their criticisms took aim at Nnaji’s background as a draft pick, experience in the EuroLeague and midseason timing of his signing. It collectively elicited a response from NCAA president Charlie Baker, who released a lengthy statement clarifying players who had signed an NBA contract were not considered eligible by the NCAA.<\/p>\n How were former G League players granted eligibility? <\/p>\n The NCAA cleared Darlan in September, Johnson in October and Ahmed in November.<\/p>\n All of ESPN. All in one place.<\/p>\n Watch your favorite events in the newly enhanced ESPN App. Learn more about what plan is right for you. Sign Up Now<\/a><\/p>\n How long will they be eligible to play college basketball? <\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/_end_rule.png\")
What to know about Charles Bediako<\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/1752936309_868_greyline.png\")
What to know about James NnajiNnaji scored five points in his debut for Baylor.\u00a0David Buono\/Icon Sportswire<\/p>\n
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G League playersLondon Johnson, a former G Leaguer, was activated by Louisville in mid-January but will sit out the 2025-26 campaign. He was granted two seasons of college eligibility by the NCAA\u00a0Jamie Rhodes-Imagn Images<\/p>\n
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