Cedric Coward’s Stock Soars at NBA Draft Combine, Putting Duke Commitment in Jeopardy

Duke basketball’s hopes of adding one of the more promising and versatile wings in the transfer portal may be slipping away as Cedric Coward continues to elevate his profile on the national stage. Currently committed to joining the Blue Devils, Coward is making a compelling case to forgo another year in college and jump straight to the NBA.

 

Coward has turned heads all week at the NBA Draft Combine in Chicago, impressing scouts and analysts with his polished game, elite physical tools, and standout performances during athletic and shooting drills. Whether it’s vertical leap, speed, agility, or shooting percentages, Coward’s name has consistently landed at or near the top of every leaderboard.

 

The 6-foot-6 guard, with a remarkable 7-foot-1 wingspan, has showcased a mix of length, explosiveness, and shot-making that NBA teams covet. His max vertical jump was measured at 38.5 inches, and his shooting consistency during drills only added fuel to the buzz already surrounding him.

That buzz has grown loud enough to potentially disrupt Duke’s plans.

 

“Maybe someone who’s helped themselves more than anyone so far in Chicago,” said 247Sports’ Adam Finkelstein in a live report from the event. “And Duke, this is bad news — sorry to break it to you — but Cedric Coward has got some serious buzz right now. He looks like he is trending toward being a potential first-round pick.”

 

Finkelstein went further, saying the decision ahead for Coward now appears to be a true fork in the road: stay committed to Duke for a year of high-profile college basketball, or capitalize on his rapidly rising draft stock and make the leap to the pros. As of now, it appears the NBA is gaining the upper hand.

 

NBA TV’s Krysten Peek echoed that sentiment in her own analysis, praising Coward’s tools and efficiency. “Buy stock now in Cedric Coward,” Peek wrote. “He’s a 6-foot-6 guard with a 7-foot-1 wingspan. Recorded a max vert of 38.5 inches and he’s shooting the ball extremely well in drills. Currently committed to Duke… but could rise quickly in the draft after this week.”

 

Coward’s path to this point has been unconventional but impressive. After beginning his career at Eastern Washington and then transferring to Washington State, he developed into one of the most intriguing two-way players in the portal this offseason. His commitment to Duke was seen as a major win for new head coach Jon Scheyer, adding a seasoned, athletic guard with pro potential to a roster that already featured elite incoming talent.

 

However, his breakout performance in Chicago has drastically shifted the conversation. What once looked like a strong one-year addition for Duke may now be a missed opportunity if Coward decides to stay in the draft. With the combine performances still fresh in the minds of scouts and executives, Coward could cement himself as a late first-round or early second-round pick by the time the draft rolls around.

 

Under current NCAA rules, Coward still has until May 28 to withdraw from the NBA Draft and retain his college eligibility. That gives Duke just under two weeks to hope that the momentum cools — or at least that Coward sees value in one more collegiate season.

 

For now, though, the signs suggest the Blue Devils might lose a major piece before he ever dons the jersey. Cedric Coward’s stock is skyrocketing — and Duke’s gain may quickly turn into the NBA’s next hidden gem.

After departing the Blue Devils, the majority of recent Duke transfers did not have much success.