Auburn coach Steven Pearl on Charles Bediako: ‘All Nate is trying to do is win basketball games’

Three games into the second Charles Bediako era in Tuscaloosa, the narrative around whether the former NBA G-League player should be allowed back in the college ranks isn’t going anywhere.

The 7-footer will get at least one more game in crimson when Alabama hosts Texas A&M but all eyes are on Friday’s court decision which will determine Bediako’s eligibility for the rest of the season including Saturday’s rivalry game with Auburn.

During an appearance at the Birmingham Tip Off Club on Monday, Tigers first-year head coach Steven Pearl was asked about preparing for the Crimson Tide with or without Bediako + whether he has an opinion on what should happen Friday.

‘Prepare as if he’s going to play’

If you were hoping to hear some juicy rivalry talk from Pearl like Alabama fans heard last week from Florida coach Todd Golden, you may be disappointed.

While former Auburn coach Bruce Pearl has been more aggressive about sharing his opinion, Steven Pearl was more tame in his response.

“What’s happening is being done within the guidelines we’re operating under… All Nate (Oats) is trying to do is win basketball games, that’s what we’re all trying to do. I can’t say whether that’s right or wrong, that’s not my place. I understand what Nate’s doing, that doesn’t mean it’s right or wrong. He’s trying to put his team in the best position to win games and I get that. But whatever happens on Friday happens, we just have to be prepared one way or another to face a really good Alabama team.”

Steven Pearl

In just three games so far, Bediako has played 22 minutes per game, averaging 11 points, 5.3 rebounds and 2 blocks.

Bediako’s eligibility could be stripped away before the Crimson Tide arrives on the Plains but Pearl said his team will be ready for Alabama either way.

“You have to prepare as if (Bediako is) going to play. I anticipate he’s going to be out there. Any time you play a team dealing with something like that, you have to prepare for them like you’re preparing for a full strength lineup.”

Steven Pearl

Pearl spoke about Alabama’s defensive strength when Bediako is on the floor, especially at the same time as fellow big man Aiden Sherrell. But he also said the Tide’s offense might be better with just one big on the floor so the Tigers have to prepare for both lineups.

And while the gameplan may change by Saturday morning, Pearl is preparing his team for lineups with Bediako both on and off the floor. And he’s not focused on Friday’s hearing.

“That’s not really my focus. All I can do is just help my team get prepared for Alabama whether he plays or whether he doesn’t play.”

Steven Pearl

Birmingham Tip Off Club

With Auburn getting a mini-bye week, Pearl got to visit the Birmingham Tip Off Club on Monday morning.

And althought the Tigers had a practice scheduled for 1:15PM Monday, Pearl spent time with club’s members. The coach spoke to the media prior to the luncheon where he was the main speaker for the club’s weekly meeting at the Harbert Center.

While the Bediako conversation dominated much of the presser, Pearl also spoke about the excitement rivalry week brings to the program.

“It was a big game when I was an assistant strength coach and it’s a big game now that I’m the head coach. It means just as much regardless of the role and I think my entire staff feels that way… The same intensity, the same pressure and the same stakes that come with this game. I know everybody is really excited about it.”

Steven Pearl

Alabama coach Nate Oats spoke at the club earlier this season and UAB coach Andy Kennedy will make an appearance on Feb. 9. Greg Byrne, Martin Newton and Charles McClelland will be in Birmingham for the Feb. 23 meeting.

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