Duke-Bound No More: Cedric Coward Forgoes Blue Devils for NBA Draft
In a significant pivot that will reshape both Duke’s upcoming roster and the 2025 NBA Draft landscape, dynamic forward Cedric Coward has announced his decision to remain in the NBA Draft pool, thus foregoing his commitment to play for the Duke Blue Devils next season. This decision, reported on Saturday, marks the culmination of a meteoric rise for Coward, whose stock has soared following an impressive showing at the recent NBA Draft Combine.
Coward, who committed to Duke in late April as a highly sought-after transfer, had always maintained his intention to test the NBA waters. However, few anticipated the seismic shift that would occur in his draft projections in such a short span. His performance in Chicago, particularly his eye-popping measurements – including a 7-foot-2¼ wingspan – and strong shooting drills, captivated scouts and elevated him from a fringe prospect to a legitimate first-round consideration.
“This is the best opportunity for me to achieve part of my dream, which is making the NBA,” Coward told ESPN, emphasizing the clarity that the combine provided. “Everything is pointing in the right direction right now to follow that.”
Coward’s journey to this point has been anything but conventional. He began his collegiate career at Division III Willamette University, showcasing immense talent before steadily climbing the ranks to Eastern Washington and, most recently, Washington State. His lone season with the Cougars was cut short by a shoulder injury, but in the six games he did play, Coward averaged an impressive 17.7 points, 7.0 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.7 blocks per game, while shooting an efficient 40% from beyond the arc.
While the injury prevented him from fully showcasing his abilities in Division I, his combine performance evidently outweighed any lingering concerns. Scouts were particularly impressed by his offensive versatility, defensive potential, and overall athleticism. His situation has drawn comparisons to Oklahoma City Thunder All-Star Jalen Williams, who also experienced a dramatic surge in his draft stock just weeks before his draft night.
For Duke, Coward’s decision means a significant veteran presence will no longer be joining the squad. Coach Jon Scheyer will now rely even more heavily on his incoming freshman class and returning talent. However, the Blue Devils have already begun to solidify their roster with other key commitments, anticipating Coward’s likely departure as his draft stock continued to climb.
Ultimately, Cedric Coward is betting on himself, confident that his unique skillset and recent pre-draft success will translate to a successful NBA career. His unconventional path serves as a testament to perseverance and the power of seizing an opportunity when it arises, no matter how unexpected the turn.
