Cedric Coward’s NBA Dream Grows Louder: Why His Duke Chapter May Never Begin
When Cedric Coward committed to Duke at the end of April, Blue Devils fans across the country had reason to celebrate. The 6-foot-6 wing out of Washington State was a major offseason get — an elite perimeter defender, an efficient scorer, and a high-IQ player with a relentless motor. His addition was expected to bring both experience and versatility to Jon Scheyer’s new-look roster.
But as the NBA Draft approaches, it’s becoming increasingly likely that Coward may never wear a Duke uniform.
Coward, who declared for the NBA Draft while maintaining his college eligibility, made it clear during his initial announcement that if he were to return to school, Duke would be the destination. That door, however, appears to be quietly closing. This week, during the NBA Draft Combine in Chicago, Coward’s comments and demeanor pointed strongly in one direction: toward staying in the draft.
Betting on Himself
“I’m here to show what I can do at the next level,” Coward told reporters after his scrimmage session. “This isn’t just about testing the waters — it’s about proving I belong.”
It wasn’t just words. Coward has been turning heads in pre-draft workouts and during the combine’s five-on-five games. His signature intensity on defense, his ability to guard multiple positions, and his efficient shot selection have earned praise from scouts and executives alike. While he’s not a consensus first-round pick yet, Coward has done enough to firmly plant himself in the second-round conversation — and possibly higher depending on team needs and draft-night trades.
“He’s one of those guys you want in your locker room,” one Western Conference scout said. “He defends, doesn’t need the ball to make an impact, and you can just tell he gets it.”
A Calculated Move
For Coward, the decision to enter the draft wasn’t just about riding the momentum from a solid junior year at Washington State, where he averaged 10.6 points, 6.3 rebounds, and shot an impressive 53% from the field. It was also about timing.
At 22 years old, Coward isn’t the typical “draft-and-develop” prospect. He’s physically mature, has logged meaningful minutes in the Pac-12, and brings a level of on-court maturity that younger prospects often lack. The 2025 draft class is expected to be stronger and more top-heavy, which means staying another year could hurt his stock more than help it.
“There’s always risk,” Coward said. “But I’m betting on the work I’ve put in, and the kind of teammate and player I know I can be.”
What It Means for Duke
For the Blue Devils, Coward’s likely departure is a significant development. His commitment was a strategic move by Coach Scheyer to blend youth with veteran presence. With a star-studded freshman class already coming in, Coward was seen as a stabilizing force — someone who had been through the grind of a college season and could lead both vocally and by example.
Without Coward, Duke may have to pivot again. Internal
development from returning players like Caleb Foster and Tyrese Proctor becomes even more critical. The coaching staff may also dip back into the transfer portal, where several high-profile players remain undecided.
Still, the mood in Durham remains cautiously optimistic.
“This is the nature of building a roster in today’s college basketball landscape,” one Duke assistant said. “We support our guys chasing their dreams. If Cedric stays in the draft, we’ll celebrate that and keep building.”
A Story Still Being Written
Coward has until May 29 to withdraw from the draft and retain his NCAA eligibility. But based on how things are unfolding, that seems increasingly unlikely. And truthfully, who can blame him?
The NBA is calling — not with guarantees, but with possibilities. For Cedric Coward, that’s more than enough.
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