Cedric Coward Chooses Duke, Giving Blue Devils a Proven Wing Presence
Duke basketball scored a significant offseason victory when graduate transfer Cedric Coward announced his commitment to the Blue Devils over other top programs, including Alabama. The former Washington State standout brings with him a reputation as a versatile, high-energy wing who can impact the game on both ends of the floor.
Coward was in the middle of a breakout campaign last season before a torn labrum sidelined him. In the 2023–24 season, he averaged 17.7 points and 7 rebounds per game, while also showcasing an improved perimeter shot and defensive presence. At 6ʼ6″, he has the size and athleticism to guard multiple positions, a skill set that makes him a perfect fit for Jon Scheyer’s system.
For Duke, his arrival could not come at a better time. The Blue Devils are looking to blend their highly touted recruiting class with experienced players who can steady the lineup. Coward’s ability to score, rebound, and facilitate will immediately ease the transition for young stars such as Cameron Boozer and Patrick Ngongba.
Beyond the stats, Coward is widely praised for his leadership and work ethic. Those intangibles should prove invaluable in a locker room filled with underclassmen adjusting to the demands of high-level college basketball. His veteran presence gives Duke not only production but also maturity—something that can become a deciding factor in tight March moments.
With Coward on board, Duke’s roster is shaping up as one of the most balanced in the nation. They retain returning talents like Caleb Foster and Isaiah Evans while adding depth through the transfer portal. The combination of seasoned leadership and youthful firepower positions the Blue Devils as legitimate contenders in the ACC and beyond.
Coward’s decision signals that Duke is committed to winning now, and fans can expect him to play a crucial role in their championship chase.
