SEC Basketball 2023 NBA Draft Preview: Alabama C Charles Bediako

After an impressive 2022-23 season with the Crimson Tide, Charles Bediako had arguably one of the SEC’s more intriguing NBA Draft decisions this offseason on whether to return to Alabama for the 2023-24 campaign, or remain in the draft. Having decided to forego his remaining collegiate eligibility, where could Bediako now be selected in the 2023 NBA Draft?

SEC Basketball 2023 NBA Draft Preview: Alabama C Charles Bediako

Bediako originally came to Alabama as a member of the Crimson Tide’s 2021 recruiting class, with the center likely the second-biggest name of that group behind only five-star JD Davison. Coming to Alabama from IMG Academy in Florida, Bediako was also a highly-rated four-star center, ranked as the nation’s No. 35 overall player according to the 247Sports Composite.

Once in Tuscaloosa, Bediako would go on to make an immediate impact as a freshman, starting in 30-of-33 games for the Crimson Tide during the 2021-22 season. Bediako would also average 6.7 PPG, 4.3 RPG, and 1.5 BPG on 69.2% shooting from the field to earn SEC All-Freshman honors.

As for this past season as a sophomore, Bediako would enjoy yet another strong season averaging 6.4 PPG, 6 RPG, and 1.8 BPG on 65.9% shooting from the field. Starting in all 37 games for one of the nation’s top teams, Bediako would also receive honors that included SEC All-Defense and SEC All-Tournament.

Strengths

A true center at 7-foot, 225 pounds, Bediako’s biggest strength offensively comes from his ability to finish around the rim, as the Alabama sophomore has ranked top two in the SEC in 2P% each of the past two seasons (led SEC in 2022-23 with 68.4 2P%). While not necessarily a threat to shoot from outside the paint, Bediako is truly elite at finishing in the paint, in particular on the receiving end of a lob to the rim, along with being a strong rebounder.

Defensively, Bediako is an excellent defender from the center position as a rim protector, and has been one of the SEC’s top shot blockers across the last two seasons, ranking top five in the conference each year. Not only did Bediako make SEC All-Defense last season as mentioned previously, but the former four-star also led the conference with a 6.2 Defensive Box Plus/Minus.

Question Marks

One of Bediako’s biggest question marks transitioning to the NBA is his lack of outside shooting, as the Alabama center is not necessarily a threat offensively outside of the paint (career 0-for-7 from three). Bediako will likely need to improve in this area going forward, as well as from the free throw line, where he has shot a combined 48.8% (63-for-139) across the last two seasons.

Potential Draft Range

As for Bediako’s potential draft range, the Alabama center is likely to come at some point in the mid-to-late second round if selected. If Bediako is not selected however, then the former four-star will likely sign with a team as an undrafted free agent very quickly after the draft ends.

Draft Prediction

Bediako will be selected in the late-second round of the 2023 NBA Draft.