Alabama Center Charles Bediako Remaining in NBA Draft

After testing the NBA Draft waters, Alabama basketball center Charles Bediako has decided to forego his remaining college eligibility and remain in the 2023 NBA Draft. The news was first reported by Jonathan Givony of Draft Express.

Bediako signed with an NCAA certified agent and elected to enter the draft on March 31, and went through much of the pre-draft process including competing in the NBA G League Elite Camp in Chicago from May 13-14. 

Eight players from the Elite Camp earned invitations to the NBA Draft Combine, none of which were Bediako. 

Official measurements were also taken at the Elite Camp, and Bediako was measured at 6-foot-10 without shoes and weighed in at 223.4 pounds. He also recorded a massive 7-foot-3 wingspan. 

Last season, Bediako showed tremendous growth on both ends of the floor after his raw freshman year, putting on roughly 15 pounds of weight in the offseason. He grew into one of the best shot blockers in the SEC, and averaged 6.4 points, six rebounds, and nearly two blocks per game en route to an SEC All-Defense and All-Tournament team selection.

He is the first of three Alabama players testing the draft waters to announce his decision, and joins Brandon Miller and Noah Clowney as confirmed Alabama players staying in the draft. Guards Mark Sears and Jahvon Quinerly have yet to make their decisions regarding their professional careers. 

With Bediako's departure now official, Alabama has three open roster spots available for the coming season.

See also:

Alabama Basketball Roster Tracker: 2023 Offseason