Alabama basketball's Charles Bediako was not selected in the 2023 NBA Draft, but his next destination appears to be set in stone.
Bediako has agreed in principle to a training camp deal with the San Antonio Spurs. The move was first reported by DraftExpress.com.
Bediako, a 7-foot-1 center from Brampton, Ontario, announced his NBA draft declaration on May 22 - a shock to many inside the Crimson Tide program.
As a sophomore in the 2022-23 season, Bediako started all 37 games for Nate Oats' squad, averaging 6.4 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks while shooting 66% from the floor, earning a spot on the All-SEC defensive team.
A bruising rim protector with projectable athleticism, Bediako will look to find NBA success alongside frontcourt teammates Brandon Miller and Noah Clowney, who were selected in the first round. (Miller: No. 2, Charlotte Hornets; Clowney: No. 21, Brooklyn Nets).
Since Nate Oats arrived at Alabama before the 2019-20 season, the Crimson Tide has had a player selected in all four NBA Drafts that have occurred.
There’s a strong belief that had Bediako returned to Alabana for even one more season he would would have been at minimum a second-round pick in 2024, with the potential to grow into a first-rounder depending on his offensive improvement.
See also:
Instant Reaction: Two Alabama Players Selected in First Round of 2023 NBA Draft
Brooklyn Nets Select Alabama Forward Noah Clowney With 21st Pick in NBA Draft
Alabama Forward Brandon Miller Drafted No. 2 Overall By Hornets
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