Charles Bediako: NBA Stats | 247 | Judge | Draft | Contract | Age
Introduction
Charles Bediako’s journey from high-level prospect to professional basketball and controversial eligibility battles has captivated fans, analysts, and legal observers alike. The Canadian-born center has navigated recruiting hype, a challenging NBA Draft process, G League stints, and a contentious battle with the NCAA over eligibility — making his story one of the most intriguing in modern hoops. In this comprehensive profile, we’ll break down his NBA and G League stats, 247Sports recruiting background, draft history, contract timeline, age & personal profile, and latest legal developments.
Who Is Charles Bediako?
Charles A. Bediako Jr. (born March 10, 2002) is a Canadian-American basketball player known for his size, defensive instincts, and contesting ability. A 6’11″ center weighing around 225 lbs, Bediako emerged as a top international prospect in his class before committing to Alabama. He holds dual citizenship and is of Ghanaian descent.
Early Life and High School Career
Bediako’s basketball journey began in Brampton, Ontario, where his physical tools quickly drew attention. Before becoming a household name among hoops scouts, he developed at:
-
Ridley College (St. Catharines, Ontario)
-
Andrews Osborne Academy (Ohio)
-
IMG Academy (Florida)
At IMG Academy, Bediako’s blend of shot-blocking, rebounding presence, and size helped him gain national exposure, earning him a spot in the 247Sports rankings and placing him among the top big man prospects in the nation.
247Sports Recruiting Profile
On 247Sports, Bediako was widely recognized as a key recruit who could make an impact at a high Division I program. Known for his defensive instincts and rim protection, he drew interest from major college programs before committing to Alabama. While specific consolidated 247Sports numeric rankings may vary, his inclusion among elite big man prospects is undisputed.
College Career at Alabama
Freshman and Sophomore Seasons (2021–2023)
At Alabama, Bediako showed steady progression defensively and on the glass:
2021–22 Highlights
-
33 games played, 30 starts
-
6.7 points, 4.3 rebounds, 1.5 blocks per game
-
Named SEC All-Freshman Team
2022–23 Highlights
-
6.4 points, 6.0 rebounds, 1.8 blocks per game
-
Shot >65% from the field in both seasons — reflecting efficiency around the basket
Summary College Stats
| Season | PPG | RPG | BLK | FG% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021-22 | 6.7 | 4.3 | 1.5 | 69.2% |
| 2022-23 | 6.4 | 6.0 | 1.8 | 65.9% |
| Career | 6.6 | 5.2 | 1.7 | 67.3% |
| Combined from two seasons at Alabama. |
Entering the NBA Draft
After his sophomore year, Bediako declared for the 2023 NBA Draft — aiming to leverage his size, defensive profile, and high upside. Though he received invitations to workouts with multiple NBA franchises, he ultimately went undrafted in 2023. This was considered surprising by some analysts, given his athletic profile and potential as a defensive anchor.
Professional Career & NBA/G League Stats
San Antonio Spurs & G League
After going undrafted:
-
Bediako signed a two-way contract with the San Antonio Spurs in October 2023.
-
A torn meniscus hampered his early season, and he was waived by the Spurs before debuting in an NBA regular-season game.
-
He played in the NBA G League with the Austin Spurs and later with other affiliates.
G League Teams & Timeline
-
2023–24: Austin Spurs
-
2024–25: Grand Rapids Gold
-
2025–26: Motor City Cruise
Career G League Stats (Aggregate)
Per recent G League figures, Bediako’s development showed improvement after his initial season:
| Season | PPG | RPG | FG% |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023–24 (Austin) | 1.6 | 2.0 | 66.7% |
| 2024–25 (Grand Rapids) | 10.4 | 9.3 | 58.4% |
| 2025–26 (Motor City) | 4.3 | 6.0 | 62.5% |
| Career Total | 8.6 | 8.0 | 58.9% |
| Reflects career G League stats through part of 2025–26. |
He’s shown rebounding and defensive capabilities, although offensive roles in the G League have varied based on team needs.
Draft & Contract History
Draft Recap
Despite promising tools, Bediako’s 2023 draft declaration did not result in selection by any NBA team. Scouts noted his defensive potential but questioned offensive versatility at the professional level.
Professional Contracts
After the draft:
-
October 2023: Signed a two-way contract with the Spurs.
-
Late 2023: Converted contract and then waived due to injury concerns.
-
2024–26: Signed short-term and Exhibit 10 style contracts with various NBA organizations, though most playing time was in the G League.
These contracts reflected NBA teams’ interest in evaluating Bediako while balancing roster flexibility.
Age & Personal Profile
-
Full Name: Charles A. Bediako Jr.
-
Birth Date: March 10, 2002
-
Age: 23 years old (as of early 2026)
-
Height: ~6’11″
-
Weight: ~225 lbs
-
Position: Center
-
Nationality: Canadian & American
His bi-national background, family basketball connections, and international profile have made him a player of interest beyond just stats.
Controversial NCAA Eligibility Saga
One of the most unique and legally complex chapters of Bediako’s career unfolded in early 2026.
Background
After playing three seasons in the G League and signing NBA contracts, Bediako attempted to re-enroll at Alabama and regain NCAA eligibility. This brought massive debate because current NCAA rules generally prohibit players who have signed pro contracts from returning to college competition.
Court Battles
-
A Tuscaloosa judge initially granted a temporary order allowing Bediako to play for Alabama due to legal and equity arguments.
-
However, in February 2026, another ruling blocked his eligibility, ending his return to NCAA competition for now.
Why This Matters
Bediako’s case has sparked debate over NCAA rules, amateurism definitions, and future eligibility pathways. Comparisons were made to other players who returned to college after professional experience, though those cases often involved no signed NBA contract.
Impact and Legacy
Charles Bediako has become more than just a stat line — he represents:
- A modern case study in evolving NCAA eligibility rules
- A player whose defensive tools were noticed by multiple NBA franchises
- An example of the blurred line between amateur and professional basketball in the 2020s
Whether he returns to professional basketball, coaching, or player development, his journey will continue to be referenced in discussions about player rights, NCAA governance, and draft strategy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are Charles Bediako’s NBA/Efficiency stats?
While Bediako hasn’t logged NBA regular-season minutes, his G League stats include a career average around 8.6 PPG and 8.0 RPG with strong defensive output.
2. Why did Charles Bediako go undrafted?
Despite size and defensive promise, scouts questioned offensive scalability and fit at the NBA level, leading to him going undrafted in 2023.
3. How old is Charles Bediako?
He was born on March 10, 2002, making him 23 years old in early 2026.
4. What teams has Bediako played for professionally?
He’s been affiliated with the San Antonio Spurs, Austin Spurs, Grand Rapids Gold, and Motor City Cruise in the G League.
5. Can Charles Bediako return to college basketball?
A recent court ruling denied his preliminary injunction to regain NCAA eligibility after pro contracts, ending his brief return stint.
Leave a Reply