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Alabama Basketball Center Charles Bediako to Test NBA Draft Waters
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According to a report by Jon Chepkevich of DraftExpress, Alabama basketball sophomore center Charles Bediako will test the NBA Draft waters. The news comes just hours after Crimson Tide forward Brandon Miller officially declared his intentions to head to the NBA.
Should Bediako ultimately choose not to head to the NBA, he is able to return to Alabama with two years of eligibility remaining. On Saturday afternoon, Bediako confirmed that he is maintaining his eligibility in a post on Instagram.
"First, I want to thank God for giving me the gift to play the sport I love," Bediako's post reads. "I am beyond grateful for the memories and bonds I have built over my two years that I have been at Alabama. I am honored to be a part of this program and especially thankful to be a part of something so special this season.
"I'd like to thank my family for their unwavering support and love. They have backed me every step of the way and I cannot express the appreciation I have for everything they do in my life. Thank you to the coaches, staff, trainers and managers for their hard work, dedication and time that they put in to make me better, both on and off the court. To my teammates, this is more than just a team. It's a brotherhood and I'm thankful for each and every one of you. Lastly thank you to all of Bama Nation. The support you have shown myself and our team has been incredible. I am extremely grateful to have found a second home in Tuscaloosa.
"My dream has always been to play in the NBA since I first picked up a basketball. I feel that now it's time for me to take a step towards that dream. I am excited to announce that I will be declaring for the 2023 NBA Draft. I plan to sign with an NCAA certified agent to keep the option of returning to the University of Alabama men's basketball team next season. I cannot wait to see what the future holds. I appreciate all the love and support as me and my family go through this process. Roll Tide!!"
Bediako was a big factor in the Crimson Tide's success over the course of the 2022-23 season, impacting the game at the rim at both the offensive and defensive ends of the court. Measuring in at 7-feet, he started in all 36 of Alabama's games and averaged 6.3 points and 6.0 rebounds per contest. He was also responsible for 23 assists, 22 steals and a team-leading 62 blocks.
Bediako's 1.8 blocks per game was enough to rank him third in the Southeastern Conference. For his efforts, Bediako was named to the SEC's All-Defense team as well as to the 2023 SEC All-Tournament team.
Bediako's decision to test the NBA Draft waters shouldn't come as a surprise given his successful sophomore campaign. While nothing has been officially announced, it is expected that Crimson Tide freshman forward Noah Clowney and junior guard Mark Sears will follow in Bediako's footsteps and opt to test the waters themselves.
See Also:
Alabama Freshman Forward Brandon Miller Declares for NBA Draft
Jaykwon Walton to Transfer from Wichita State to Alabama Basketball
