Charles Bediako Explained

Charles Bediako
Position:Center
Height Ft:7
Height In:0
Weight Lbs:220
League:NBA
Team:Grand Rapids Gold
Birth Date:10 March 2002
Birth Place:Brampton, Ontario, Canada
High School:
College:Alabama (2021–2023)
Draft Year:2023
Career Start:2023
Years1:2023–2024
Team1:Austin Spurs
Years2:2024–present
Team2:Grand Rapids Gold
Highlights:

Charles A. Bediako Jr. (born March 10, 2002) is a Canadian professional basketball player for the Grand Rapids Gold of the NBA G League. He played college basketball for the Alabama Crimson Tide.

High school career

Bediako began his high school career at Ridley College, playing alongside his brother Jaden.[1] As a junior, Bediako transferred to Andrews Osborne Academy.[2] Bediako transferred to IMG Academy for his senior season. He averaged 13.2 points and 12.7 rebounds per game.[3] Bediako was named to the Jordan Brand Classic roster.[4]

Recruiting

Bediako was a consensus four-star recruit and one of the top centers in the 2021 class. On April 6, 2021, he committed to playing college basketball for Alabama over offers from Duke, Michigan, Texas and Ohio State.[5]

College career

As a freshman, Bediako averaged 6.7 points, 4.3 rebounds and 1.7 blocks per game.[6] He was named to the SEC All-Freshman Team.[7]

Professional career

Austin Spurs (2023–2024)

After going undrafted in the 2023 NBA draft, Bediako joined the San Antonio Spurs for the 2023 NBA Summer League[8] and on October 2, 2023, he signed with them.[9] On October 23, his deal was converted into a two-way contract.[10] On December 29, he was waived by the Spurs after suffering a torn meniscus.[11] He didn't play for San Antonio, but made 11 appearances with the Austin Spurs, averaging 7.7 points and 6.9 rebounds in 19.0 minutes.

On March 7, 2024, Bediako rejoined the Austin Spurs.[12]

Grand Rapids Gold (2024–present)

In July 2024, Bediako joined the Orlando Magic for the 2024 NBA Summer League[13] and on July 29, he was traded to the Grand Rapids Gold.[14]

National team career

Bediako has competed internationally for the Canada men's national under-19 basketball team. He averaged 1.8 points and 2 rebounds per game in the 2018 FIBA Under-18 Americas Championship as Canada finished second in the tournament.[15] In the 2018 FIBA Under-17 Basketball World Cup, Bediako averaged 3.3 points and 3.1 rebounds per game as Canada finished fourth in the tournament.[16] In the 2021 FIBA Under-19 Basketball World Cup, Bediako averaged four points and 2.9 rebounds per game, helping Canada win the bronze medal.[17]

Personal life

Born in Canada, Bediako is of Ghanaian descent.[18] His brother Jaden plays for the Seton Hall basketball team. His sister Jada plays for the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets women's basketball team.

Career statistics

College

|-| style="text-align:left;"| 2021–22| style="text-align:left;"| Alabama| 33 || 30 || 17.8 || .692 || .000 || .612 || 4.3 || .7 || .6 || 1.5 || 6.7|-| style="text-align:left;"| 2022–23| style="text-align:left;"| Alabama| 37 || 37 || 20.7 || .659 || .000 || .355 || 6.0 || .6 || .6 || 1.8 || 6.4|- class="sortbottom"| style="text-align:center;" colspan="2"| Career| 70 || 67 || 19.3 || .673 || .000 || .488 || 5.2 || .7 || .6 || 1.7 || 6.6

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: A WARM WELCOME FOR TEAM CANADA AND THE HOMETOWN BOYS! . . August 19, 2021 . June 8, 2018.
  2. News: Goul . Matt . Growing pains over for ISA at Andrews Osborne? . August 19, 2021 . . October 24, 2019.
  3. News: Fletcher . James . Alabama basketball lands commitment from 5-star center Charles Bediako . August 19, 2021 . . April 6, 2021.
  4. Web site: Silva . Edilson . Canadians Caleb Houstan & Charles Bediako Selected To 2021 Jordan Brand Classic . BasketballBuzz.ca . August 19, 2021 . May 23, 2021.
  5. News: Thompson . David . Duke target Charles Bediako commits to Alabama . August 19, 2021 . . April 6, 2021.
  6. News: Katie. Windham. Freshman Bediako Growing into Physicality of College Game. Sports Illustrated. February 19, 2022. March 21, 2022.
  7. Men's Basketball All-SEC Teams & Awards Announced. SECSports.com. Southeastern Conference. March 8, 2022. March 8, 2022.
  8. Web site: SAN ANTONIO SPURS 2023 NBA 2K24 SUMMER LEAGUE ROSTER. NBA.com. October 4, 2023.
  9. Web site: Alex. Garcia. Spurs Announce 2023 Training Camp Roster. NBA.com. October 2, 2023. October 4, 2023.
  10. Web site: Alex. Garcia. Spurs Announce 2023-24 Opening Night Roster. NBA.com. October 23, 2023. November 15, 2023.
  11. Web site: P.. Shirley. Spurs Waive Charles Bediako. NBA.com. December 29, 2023. January 3, 2024.
  12. Web site: Austin Spurs Acquire Charles Bediako. OurSportsCentral.com. March 7, 2024. March 7, 2024.
  13. Web site: 2024 Orlando Magic Summer League Player Analysis. NBA.com. July 26, 2024.
  14. Grand Rapids Gold. Welcome to Grand Rapids! ️. 1818013825112883542. NBAGrandRapids. July 29, 2024. July 30, 2024.
  15. Web site: Charles BEDIAKO . FIBA . August 19, 2021.
  16. Web site: Charles BEDIAKO . FIBA . August 19, 2021.
  17. Web site: Charles BEDIAKO . FIBA . August 19, 2021.
  18. Web site: 8 players with African roots make it into NBA 2023 draft list. June 23, 2023. Nairobi News.