Le Journal

The latest episode of the NCAA’s eligibility circus is focusing on the University of Alabama. In Tuscaloosa, Charles Bediako, the 7-foot big man who we last saw in college in 2023, was granted a temporary court order to be able to return to the court for the Crimson Tide this coming weekend. I know what you’re thinking. It’s been almost three years since Bediako played basketball at the collegiate level, and he’s had a two-way contract with the San Antonio Spurs since then. In fact, he’s signed three different NBA contracts. But nonetheless, Bediako is going to suit up for the Crimson Tide this weekend. As expected, this has caused quite the stir in college athletics, and after Kentucky’s win over Texas, Mark Pope offered up some thoughts about the NCAA’s eligibility crisis. “The NCAA does get to decide who gets to go to the NCAA Tournament. They get to decide that. They have that power,” said Pope. At some point, when they’ve been very, very clear about what the rules that they’re going to try and enforce…they might lose in court, but they still get to decide what games count towards the NCAA Tournament.” It’s an interesting proposition by Pope and one that could be worth examining further. However, one would have to question whether such a decision could lead to more lawsuits based on what we’ve seen so far. Nonetheless, the NCAA is facing a major issue when it comes to eligibility, and a solid line has to be drawn somewhere. Where that line ends up being is the real question. What did you think of Pope’s statement? Mark Pope makes a statement on the current situation with NCAA eligibility.A phenomenal answer in my opinion.“ NCAA may lose in court, but they still get to decide who makes the NCAA tournament. Use that to bring some sanity to the situation.” pic.twitter.com/Yin3CJof5q— Dylan Ballard (@DylanBallard_UK) January 22, 2026

Anthony Davis was the centerpiece of last year’s Luka Doncic trade, but the Mavericks have been getting more production out of Max Christie, writes Christian Clark of The Athletic. While Davis has been repeatedly injured, Christie has developed into one of the league’s most reliable outside shooters. He’s connecting at 54.9% from beyond the arc […]

The Warriors will reportedly consider all their options leading up to the February 5 trade deadline, but it’s unlikely that they’ll include Jimmy Butler in an in-season trade after he suffered a season-ending ACL tear, Marc Stein writes for The Stein Line (Substack link). General manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. said as much on Tuesday, and […]

The Knicks are engaged in active talks with multiple teams about big man Guerschon Yabusele, league sources tell Stefan Bondy of The New York Post (Twitter link). An offseason free agent addition, Yabusele hasn’t been a fit in New York, and multiple reports in recent weeks have indicated the Knicks have made him available. While […]