Earlier this offseason, shooting guard Cedric Coward committed to the Duke basketball program through the transfer portal, initially being a major veteran addition for Jon Scheyer and the rotation for the following season. When Coward committed to the Blue Devils over Alabama, he clarified his main focus was on the 2025 NBA Draft, but there was hope that he would return to college basketball as he wasn’t seen as a perennial first round guy or even a top-40 pick.
However, through elite performances in the NBA Combine drills, Coward has become one of the biggest risers in the class, and it’s very unlikely he plays for the Blue Devils next season.
The former Washington State Cougar’s ascent to a possible NBA first-round choice is very remarkable, considering he started his scholastic career at Division III Willamette University.
However, considering that Coward barely played collegiate basketball at WSU last season due to a shoulder ailment that kept him out of action for much of the season, some NBA teams are apparently not convinced on Coward and his quick ascent.
“Considering that [Coward] only played six games at Washington State before suffering a shoulder injury that halted his season, several NBA teams we spoke with are wary of his unexpected ascent. In his mock draft analysis on Coward, ESPN’s Jeremy Woo stated, “But it’s fascinating to see his unusual trajectory from Division III to Eastern Washington to what looks to be guaranteed-contract territory.”
According to ESPN’s most recent mock draft, Coward was selected by the Los Angeles Clippers with the 30th overall choice, the final pick in the first round. It’s rather amazing to go from Division III to a first-round NBA Draft selection.
And in his six games of play, Coward was incredibly effective despite producing a small sample size during his tenure at Wazzu. Coward shot 55.7% from the field and 40.0% from outside the arc to average 17.7 points, seven rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.7 blocks a game.
Coward’s skill makes him a wing that NBA clubs are constantly trying to pick, Woo added.
“Although NBA clubs are concerned about his lack of video against elite college opponents, Coward is the kind of wing that teams love to choose, and it counts that he was effective and prolific at Eastern Washington. Even though he hasn’t participated in competitive action since November, his draft forecast appears to be improving.
In his second season at Eastern Washington, Coward averaged 15.4 points on 38.3% three-point shooting and 56.5% field goal shooting. Before moving to Washington State, the 21-year-old participated in the program for two seasons.
Duke supporters shouldn’t anticipate seeing the senior play for the Blue Devils the next season, despite some NBA organizations’ worries over Coward’s limited sample size and lack of experience against top opponents.
