Cedric Coward Will Suit Up for Duke Basketball in 2025-26 After Withdrawing from NBA Draft

Cedric Coward Will Suit Up for Duke Basketball in 2025-26 After Withdrawing from NBA Draft!

Duke basketball fans just got huge news: Cedric Coward is officially staying in college — and he’s ready to make an immediate impact in Durham.

After testing the NBA Draft waters, the Washington State transfer has announced he will withdraw his name and officially join the Duke Blue Devils for the 2025-26 season. Coward, a versatile 6-foot-6 wing, committed to Duke in late April but had left open the possibility of turning professional. Now, he’s all in on joining Jon Scheyer’s squad.

“I’m excited to be joining the Duke family and wearing the Blue Devil jersey next season,” Coward shared. “It’s a blessing to continue my journey here. Let’s get to work! #TheBrotherhood”

A Star on the Rise

Cedric Coward has had a unique and inspiring journey to this point. He began his college career at Division III Willamette University, where he put up monster numbers as a freshman — averaging 19.4 points, 12 rebounds, and setting a school record with 67 blocks. His breakout season included a remarkable streak of 15 straight double-doubles.

Coward then transferred to Eastern Washington, where he developed into an All-Big Sky performer over two seasons, averaging 15.4 points and 6.7 rebounds as a junior while shooting 36.5% from three-point range. He followed that up with a move to Washington State, where he started the 2024-25 season on fire before a shoulder injury cut his senior year short after just six games.

Despite the injury, Coward’s numbers were outstanding: 17.7 points, 7.0 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and nearly 2 blocks per game while shooting 56% from the field and 40% from three. Those performances turned heads across the country — including at Duke.

What Coward Brings to the Blue Devils

Now officially set to wear Duke blue, Coward fills a major need for Scheyer’s squad. With all five starters from the 2024-25 Final Four team off to the NBA Draft, Coward’s experience, athleticism, and two-way ability are exactly what the Blue Devils need.

He projects to be a key starter, likely sliding into a wing role next to five-star freshman Cameron Boozer and talented returners like Caleb Foster, Isaiah Evans, Maliq Brown, and Patrick Ngongba. His ability to stretch the floor (40% from three-point range) and defend multiple positions makes him an ideal fit for Duke’s high-powered attack.

Coward’s toughness, leadership, and proven production could also give the Blue Devils an edge as they reload for another deep NCAA Tournament run.

A New Chapter Begins in Durham

For Cedric Coward, Duke represents more than just a new team — it’s the next step in a journey fueled by determination and faith.

After battling through injury, overcoming early obstacles, and making his dream of playing at a blue-blood program a reality, Coward is ready to embrace the moment.

The Brotherhood just added a seasoned, battle-tested star. And come November, Coward will officially make his Cameron Indoor Stadium debut — with the eyes of the college basketball world watching.

Welcome to Durham, Cedric Coward. Let’s ride.