Duke basketball just landed its first big win of the transfer portal season—and it’s a name fans need to know: Cedric Coward.
The former Washington State wing officially committed to the Blue Devils, choosing Duke over Alabama in a move that gives head coach Jon Scheyer another versatile piece for the upcoming 2025–26 season. The 6-foot-6 graduate student brings experience, athleticism, and a gritty edge to a Duke squad that has seen plenty of turnover with stars departing for the NBA.
From Division III to Durham: Cedric Coward’s Journey
Cedric Coward’s story is anything but conventional. He began his college basketball journey at Division III Willamette University, where he quickly made headlines with his consistent double-doubles—ranking second in the nation with 19 that season. He then transferred to Eastern Washington, where his game truly began to blossom.
At Eastern Washington, Coward averaged 7.3 points per game as a sophomore, before breaking out in his junior year with 15.4 points per game. He earned All-Big Sky First Team honors and established himself as a defensive presence as well, tallying 215 rebounds and 30 blocks in that breakout season.
It was that performance that caught the eye of bigger programs and ultimately led to a move to Washington State.
Coward’s Brief But Bright Stint at Washington State
Coward’s time in Pullman was short-lived but impactful. In just five games before suffering a season-ending torn labrum, Coward averaged 17.7 points, 7 rebounds, and added 10 blocks and 22 assists. He shot a stellar 55.7% from the field—evidence of both his efficiency and his smart shot selection.
Despite the injury, his short stint was enough to convince Duke’s staff that Cedric Coward could be a difference-maker on the court. His ability to contribute in multiple areas—scoring, rebounding, passing, and defense—makes him an ideal fit for the Blue Devils, who are in need of veteran leadership and reliable production.
The Injury Comeback: A Key Factor in Duke’s Bet
While Coward is still technically declared for the 2025 NBA Draft, he is expected to withdraw and officially complete his transfer to Duke. After undergoing surgery to repair his torn labrum, Coward is reportedly healthy and eager to prove he’s ready to compete at the highest level of college basketball.
His return to full strength gives Duke a major boost heading into the summer and adds a dynamic, experienced presence to a team looking to reload—not rebuild—after losing several key players.
How Cedric Coward Fits at Duke
With so many big names leaving—Cooper Flagg, Tyrese Proctor, Kon Knueppel, and others—Duke needs players who can step in and contribute right away. That’s where Cedric Coward comes in.
A skilled wing who can guard multiple positions, Coward’s two-way play will be crucial in filling the defensive gaps left behind by departing players. He also brings shot creation and scoring versatility that can help spread the floor and ease the pressure on young players like Cayden Boozer and Isaiah Evans.
Duke’s 2025-26 roster now includes:
- Isaiah Evans
- Caleb Foster
- Maliq Brown
- Patrick Ngongba II
- Darren Harris
- Cameron Boozer
- Cayden Boozer
- Nikolas Khamenia
- Cedric Coward
- Cameron Sheffield
With this group, Coward’s ability to play both on and off the ball should prove essential. He’ll likely compete for a starting spot on the wing, and his experience will be vital in helping this relatively young core navigate the grind of ACC basketball and a national title push.
Veteran Presence in the Locker Room
One of the most overlooked aspects of Coward’s addition is his maturity. Having played at three different levels—DIII, mid-major, and high-major—Coward brings a rare combination of humility, grit, and adaptability. He’s been through setbacks, including a major injury, and returned with even more fire. That kind of resilience will undoubtedly rub off on the rest of the team.
Duke’s coaching staff, led by Jon Scheyer, has emphasized the importance of locker room culture in recent years. In Coward, they get a player who not only performs on the court but sets the tone off it as well.
What Duke Fans Can Expect From Cedric Coward
If healthy, Cedric Coward could be one of the most impactful transfers in the country. Here’s what Duke fans should expect:
- Efficient scoring: Expect Coward to average double figures while shooting above 50% from the field. He doesn’t force shots and knows how to pick his spots.
- Defensive versatility: At 6’6″, with good instincts and physical strength, he can switch across multiple positions—valuable in a defensive-minded ACC.
- Tough rebounding: Coward brings a nose for the ball and averaged seven boards per game before his injury last season.
- High IQ playmaking: With over 20 assists in just five games last year, Coward sees the floor well and can initiate offense when needed.
In short, Coward is not a flashy name, but he’s a player who impacts winning—and that’s exactly what Duke needs.
Final Thoughts: A Strategic and Smart Pickup
With Cedric Coward’s commitment, Duke basketball signals that it’s serious about reloading for another deep NCAA Tournament run. After missing out on a few high-profile targets, snagging a battle-tested, versatile, and motivated wing like Coward could prove to be one of the smartest moves of the offseason.
He may not come with the same hype as a five-star freshman or a one-and-done NBA prospect, but Cedric Coward could be the glue guy—the X-factor—that Duke needs to stay in the national conversation.
So as the Blue Devils round out their rotation, one thing is clear: Cedric Coward is ready to make his mark in Durham.