Big News for Duke: Cedric Coward Staying in School, Headed to Durham
Duke basketball fans got a major boost as Cedric Coward confirmed he’s staying in college and officially joining the Blue Devils for the 2025–26 season.
After entering his name into the NBA Draft pool to explore his professional options, the 6-foot-6 Washington State transfer has opted to withdraw and commit fully to playing under Jon Scheyer. Coward initially pledged to Duke in April, but kept the door open for the NBA — until now.
“I’m thrilled to be part of the Duke family and to wear the Blue Devil jersey next season,” Coward said. “It’s an incredible opportunity to continue my journey. Time to get to work! #TheBrotherhood”
A Journey Marked by Grit and Growth
Coward’s rise has been anything but traditional. He started his collegiate career at Division III Willamette University, where he dominated from day one — averaging 19.4 points, 12 rebounds, and setting a school record with 67 blocks in a season that featured 15 straight double-doubles.
He then took a leap to Eastern Washington, becoming an All-Big Sky standout and averaging 15.4 points and 6.7 rebounds as a junior while shooting nearly 37% from deep. His next move brought him to Washington State, where he started strong in 2024–25 before a shoulder injury ended his season after just six games. Still, his production was elite: 17.7 points, 7 rebounds, 3.6 assists, nearly 2 blocks per game, with a 56% field goal clip and 40% from beyond the arc — numbers that quickly caught Duke’s attention.
Why Coward Is Key for Duke
With Duke losing its entire starting five from last season’s Final Four team to the NBA Draft, Coward’s experience, toughness, and versatility are invaluable. He’s expected to step into a prominent role, likely as a starting wing alongside five-star recruit Cameron Boozer and returning talents like Caleb Foster, Isaiah Evans, Maliq Brown, and Patrick Ngongba.
Coward brings elite floor spacing and defensive versatility, making him a seamless fit for Scheyer’s system. His ability to guard multiple positions and shoot the three at a high rate (40%) makes him a key asset in Duke’s plans to remain a national title contender.
A Fresh Start at a Blue-Blood Program
Joining Duke isn’t just a new chapter for Coward — it’s the realization of a dream. From D3 to the ACC, through setbacks and injuries, Coward has powered forward with resilience and belief.
Now, he’s ready to make his debut at Cameron Indoor Stadium, ready to contribute and lead.
Welcome to Durham, Cedric Coward — the Blue Devils just added a proven difference-maker.
Recruiting at Duke: Kara Lawson Makes Another Impact
Just days after landing a commitment from four-star center Taylor Sofilkanich for the 2026 class, Duke head coach Kara Lawson secured another big win on the recruiting trail. On Sunday, five-star point guard Sanai Green of Long Island Lutheran committed to the Blue Devils.
Green, a 6-foot floor general, chose Duke over offers from UNC, USC, Purdue, and several others, making her a significant pickup for the program
Duke’s Jon Scheyer Receives Significant Recruiting Update on Four-Star Prospect
Duke heads into the offseason following an impressive 35-4 (19-1 ACC) season that ended with a Final Four appearance under fourth-year head coach Jon Scheyer.
Despite losing all five starters from that squad, the Blue Devils are reloading with one of the top 2025 recruiting classes, keeping them firmly in the mix for title contention in 2025-26.
Four-star power forward Sebastian Wilkins from Brewster Academy, ranked No. 17 in ESPN’s Top 100 for the 2026 class, is scheduled to make his official visit to Duke on Monday, according to 247Sports’ Sam Kayser. His recruitment has already included visits to Maryland
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