Report: Charles Bediako to remain in NBA draft, leave Alabama
Alabama sophomore Charles Bediako will reportedly keep his name in the 2023 NBA draft and forgo his remaining college eligibility, according to Jonathan Givony and Jeff Borzello of ESPN.
Bediako, who was born in Canada, was named to the SEC All-Defensive team after averaging 6.4 points, six rebounds and 1.8 blocks on 65.9% shooting from the field. He ranked 22nd in the country in total blocks (67) and third in defensive box plus-minus (plus-6.2).
The 7-footer was among the prospects that competed in the NBA G League Elite Camp last week in Chicago, Illinois. He recorded a 7-foot, 3.25-inch wingspan and averaged nine points and 2.5 rebounds in two scrimmage appearances.
Alabama’s Charles Bediako’s official measurements from the G League Elite Camp: 6’10” barefoot, 7’3 ¼” wingspan, 9’3 ½” standing reach, 10 ¼” wide hands, 223.4 lbs with 11.4% body fat pic.twitter.com/tisE8V1c1l
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) May 14, 2023
Bediako projects to be a two-way contract player at the next level. He is highly touted for his defensive ability and emerged as one of the top rim protectors in the country last season. He will need to develop his offensive game but it will be his defense that teams covet.
He has previously competed with the Canadian national team, most recently in the 2021 FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup. He averaged four points, 2.9 rebounds and one block in seven games along with Caleb Houstan, Zach Edey and Olivier-Maxence Prosper among others.
The decision to stay in the draft caught some by surprise but the 21-year-old likely feels strongly enough that he’ll either be drafted or sign with a team in free agency.
