Duke Transfer Cedric Coward Confirms Staying in 2025 NBA Draft

Cedric Coward, who had committed to play for Duke after transferring from Washington State, has decided to remain in the 2025 NBA Draft and will not play for the Blue Devils. Despite suffering a partially torn shoulder labrum that ended his season early, Coward's draft stock surged following strong performances at the NBA Combine, showcasing his 7-foot-2 wingspan and efficient scoring ability. He averaged 17.7 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game in limited action last season and drew attention for his athleticism and shooting accuracy. Coward expressed that his commitment to Duke was part of his journey to the NBA, but after the Combine, he felt confident in pursuing a professional career directly. Duke coach Jon Scheyer responded by securing other recruits, including Italian guard Dame Sarr and power forward Sebastian Wilkins, to fill the roles Coward might have played. Coward emphasized his readiness mentally, physically, and emotionally to take the next step, citing his improvements during the pre-draft process as a key factor in his decision.