Cedric Coward Commits to Duke, Keeps NBA Draft Hopes Alive
Cedric Coward, the standout wing from Washington State, announced Monday via Instagram that he’s heading to Duke, swapping the crimson and gray of the Cougars for the iconic Duke Blue Devils blue.
“I think blue is my color,” Coward wrote. “Thanks to Coach Scheyer and the staff for believing in me. I truly feel this is where God wants me to be.”
While committing to Duke, Coward also revealed he’s keeping his name in the NBA Draft pool and will continue to explore professional opportunities. He hasn’t set a timeline for his final decision, opting to see how the draft process unfolds.
Coward, ranked No. 13 in the transfer portal by 247Sports, becomes Duke’s first addition from the 2025 transfer class under head coach Jon Scheyer. The 6-foot-6 forward chose Duke over Alabama, narrowing his options from a group that also included Kansas, Florida, and Washington.
Explaining his choice, Coward said Duke felt like the right personal and basketball fit. “They made me feel like I belong there, both as a player and as a person,” he said. “The values and the culture matched what I believe in.”
Coward averaged 17.7 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 3.7 assists while shooting 40% from beyond the arc before a torn labrum ended his season early. He had transferred to Washington State after two years at Eastern Washington, following head coach David Riley and a few teammates.
A Fresno native, Coward began his college career at Division III Willamette University, where he put up 19.4 points and 12 rebounds per game as a freshman. Reflecting on his journey, Coward credited his D-III experience with shaping him: “It made me realize how much work I had to put in.”
Duke is counting on Coward to help fill the massive void left by the departures of stars like Cooper Flagg and Tyrese Proctor, all of whom declared for the NBA Draft. He’ll join a promising roster that includes returning players Isaiah Evans and Caleb Foster, as well as top recruits Cameron and Cayden Boozer.
Despite the roster turnover, Coward sees star potential across the board: “This isn’t a one-star team—it’s a roster full of killers who will do what it takes to win.”
With his size, versatility, and sharpshooting ability, Coward is expected to make an immediate impact for the Blue Devils. “At Duke, the expectations are high,” he said. “I’m ready to meet them head-on and do whatever the team needs to win.”
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