Alabama's head coach, Nate Oates, blamed a judge who ruled center Charles Bediako ineligible for the team's 90-77 loss to Michigan in March Madness. Oates had betled that the former professional basketball player, who went unprofitable in 2023 and signed a two-way contract with the Spurs and played three seasons in the NBA's G League, would be eligible due to his previous NIL and amateurism ruling. The loss led to a lack of size for the Crimson Tide, which was outplayed by Michigan. The NCAA accused Bediak of attempting to evade its rules and take opportunities away from high school recruits.