Charles Bediako

Charles Bediako

Bediako with Alabama in 2023
No. 14–Alabama Crimson Tide
Position	Center
League	Southeastern Conference
Personal information
Born	(2002-03-10) March 10, 2002 (age 23) Brampton, Ontario, Canada
Listed height	7 ft 0 in (2.13 m)
Listed weight	225 lb (102 kg)
Career information
High school	Ridley College (St. Catharines, Ontario) Andrews Osborne Academy (Willoughby, Ohio) IMG Academy (Bradenton, Florida)
College	Alabama (2021–2023, 2026–present)
NBA draft	2023: undrafted
Playing career	2023–present
Career history
2023–2024	Austin Spurs
2024–2025	Grand Rapids Gold
2025	Motor City Cruise
Career highlights
SEC All-Freshman Team (2022) Jordan Brand Classic (2021)
Stats at NBA.com
Stats at Basketball Reference
Medals Men's basketball Representing  Canada FIBA Under-19 World Cup 2021 Latvia Team FIBA Americas U18 Championship 2018 Canada Team

Charles A. Bediako Jr. (born March 10, 2002) is a Canadian college basketball player for the Alabama Crimson Tide of the Southeastern Conference (SEC).

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. ^[1]

High school career

Bediako began his high school career at Ridley College, playing alongside his brother Jaden. ^[2] As a junior, Bediako transferred to Andrews Osborne Academy. ^[3] Bediako transferred to IMG Academy for his senior season. He averaged 13.2 points and 12.7 rebounds per game. ^[4] Bediako was named to the Jordan Brand Classic roster. ^[5]

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. ^[6]

College recruiting information

Name	Hometown	School	Height	Weight	Commit date
Charles Bediako C	Brampton, ON	IMG Academy (FL)	6 ft 11 in (2.11 m)	215 lb (98 kg)	Apr 6, 2021
	Recruit ratings: Rivals:      247Sports:      ESPN:     (88)
Overall recruit ranking:    Rivals: 39    247Sports: 32    ESPN: 35
Note: In many cases, Scout, Rivals, 247Sports, On3, and ESPN may conflict in their listings of height and weight. In these cases, the average was taken. ESPN grades are on a 100-point scale. Sources: "Alabama 2021 Basketball Commitments". Rivals. Retrieved August 20, 2021. "2021 Alabama Crimson Tide Recruiting Class". ESPN. Retrieved August 20, 2021. "2021 Team Ranking". Rivals. Retrieved August 20, 2021.

College career

As a freshman, Bediako averaged 6.7 points, 4.3 rebounds and 1.7 blocks per game. ^[7] He was named to the SEC All-Freshman Team. ^[8]

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. ^[9]

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. ^[10]

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. ^[11]

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. ^[12]

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 ^[13] and on October 2, 2023, he signed with them. ^[14] On October 23, his deal was converted into a two-way contract. ^[15] On December 29, he was waived by the Spurs after suffering a torn meniscus. ^[16] 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. ^[16]

On March 7, 2024, Bediako rejoined the Austin Spurs. ^[17]

Grand Rapids Gold (2024–2025)

In July 2024, Bediako joined the Orlando Magic for the 2024 NBA Summer League ^[18] and on October 8, he signed with the Denver Nuggets. ^[19] However, he was waived on October 16 ^[20] and on October 28, Bediako joined the Grand Rapids Gold. ^[21]

National team career

Bediako has competed internationally for the Canada men's national under-19 basketball team. He averaged 1.8 points and 2 rebounds per game in the 2018 FIBA Under-18 Americas Championship as Canada finished second in the tournament. ^[22] In the 2018 FIBA Under-17 Basketball World Cup, Bediako averaged 3.3 points and 3.1 rebounds per game as Canada finished fourth in the tournament. ^[23] In the 2021 FIBA Under-19 Basketball World Cup, Bediako averaged four points and 2.9 rebounds per game, helping Canada win the bronze medal. ^[24]

Career statistics

Legend

GP	Games played	GS	Games started	MPG	Minutes per game
FG%	Field goal percentage	3P%	3-point field goal percentage	FT%	Free throw percentage
RPG	Rebounds per game	APG	Assists per game	SPG	Steals per game
BPG	Blocks per game	PPG	Points per game	Bold	Career high

College

Year	Team	GP	GS	MPG	FG%	3P%	FT%	RPG	APG	SPG	BPG	PPG
2021–22	Alabama	33	30	17.8	.692	.000	.612	4.3	.7	.6	1.5	6.7
2022–23	Alabama	37	37	20.7	.659	.000	.355	6.0	.6	.6	1.8	6.4
Career		70	67	19.3	.673	.000	.488	5.2	.7	.6	1.7	6.6

Personal life

Born in Canada, Bediako is of Ghanaian descent. ^[25] His brother, Jaden, played college basketball for Santa Clara and Seton Hall. His sister, Jada, plays college basketball for Marquette.

References

1. ESPN staffJan 26, 2026 (January 26, 2026). "What to know about Charles Bediako, more men's college basketball eligibility cases". ESPN.com. Retrieved January 31, 2026.{{cite web}}: |first= has numeric name (help)
2. "A WARM WELCOME FOR TEAM CANADA AND THE HOMETOWN BOYS!". Ridley College . June 8, 2018. Retrieved August 19, 2021.
3. Goul, Matt (October 24, 2019). "Growing pains over for ISA at Andrews Osborne?". The Plain-Dealer . Retrieved August 19, 2021.
4. Fletcher, James (April 6, 2021). "Alabama basketball lands commitment from 5-star center Charles Bediako". The Tuscaloosa News . Retrieved August 19, 2021.
5. Silva, Edilson (May 23, 2021). "Canadians Caleb Houstan & Charles Bediako Selected To 2021 Jordan Brand Classic". BasketballBuzz.ca. Retrieved August 19, 2021.
6. Thompson, David (April 6, 2021). "Duke target Charles Bediako commits to Alabama". The Fayetteville Observer . Retrieved August 19, 2021.
7. Windham, Katie (February 19, 2022). "Freshman Bediako Growing into Physicality of College Game". Sports Illustrated . Retrieved March 21, 2022.
8. "Men's Basketball All-SEC Teams & Awards Announced". SECSports.com (Press release). Southeastern Conference. March 8, 2022. Retrieved March 8, 2022.
9. "Alabama's Bediako officially declares for NBA Draft". WVUA 23. May 24, 2023. Retrieved October 2, 2024.
10. Fletcher III, James (June 6, 2023). "Former Alabama center Charles Bediako slated to workout for nearly half the NBA ahead of draft night". On3.com. Retrieved October 2, 2024.
11. Byler, Blake (May 22, 2023). "Alabama Center Charles Bediako Remaining in NBA Draft". SI.com. Retrieved October 2, 2024.
12. Trotter, Isaac (January 21, 2026). "After NBA contracts, court still clears Charles Bediako (for now) to return to Alabama". cbssports.com. Retrieved January 21, 2026.
13. "SAN ANTONIO SPURS 2023 NBA 2K24 SUMMER LEAGUE ROSTER". NBA.com. Retrieved October 4, 2023.
14. Garcia, Alex (October 2, 2023). "Spurs Announce 2023 Training Camp Roster". NBA.com. Retrieved October 4, 2023.
15. Garcia, Alex (October 23, 2023). "Spurs Announce 2023-24 Opening Night Roster". NBA.com. Retrieved November 15, 2023.
16. Shirley, P. (December 29, 2023). "Spurs Waive Charles Bediako". NBA.com. Retrieved January 3, 2024.
17. "Austin Spurs Acquire Charles Bediako". OurSportsCentral.com. March 7, 2024. Retrieved March 7, 2024.
18. "2024 Orlando Magic Summer League Player Analysis". NBA.com. Retrieved July 26, 2024.
19. "NUGGETS SIGN WILL RICHARDSON, ANDREW FUNK, AND CHARLES BEDIAKO". NBA.com. October 8, 2024. Retrieved October 8, 2024.
20. Gauruder, Dana (October 16, 2024). "Spurs' McDaniels Among Wednesday's Cuts". HoopsRumors.com. Retrieved October 19, 2024.
21. "Gold Finalize 2024-25 Training Camp Roster". OurSportsCentral.com. October 28, 2024. Retrieved November 3, 2024.
22. "Charles BEDIAKO". FIBA.basketball. Retrieved August 19, 2021.
23. "Charles BEDIAKO". FIBA.basketball. Retrieved August 19, 2021.
24. "Charles BEDIAKO". FIBA.basketball. Retrieved August 19, 2021.
25. "8 players with African roots make it into NBA 2023 draft list". Nairobi News. June 23, 2023. Retrieved October 8, 2024.

External links

• Career statistics from NBA.com    ·  Basketball Reference  
• Alabama Crimson Tide bio