Cedric Coward Stays in NBA Draft, Won’t Suit Up for Duke: What It Means for the Blue Devils and Kentucky
The Duke Blue Devils just suffered a major blow to their 2025-26 roster plans.
Washington State transfer Cedric Coward, who committed to Duke in late April, has officially withdrawn from college basketball and will remain in the 2025 NBA Draft. The versatile 6-foot-6 wing was expected to be a veteran presence for Jon Scheyer’s Blue Devils, a team loaded with youth and national championship aspirations especially behind the Boozer twins and Dame Sarr.
But on Saturday, Coward told ESPN that the time was now to take the next step in his career.
“This is the best opportunity for me to achieve part of my dream, which is making the NBA,” Coward said. “Even if I went to Duke, it would’ve been in order to get to this level. I feel like I’m ready.”
Coward’s journey to this point is nothing short of remarkable. He began his college career at Division III Willamette University, where he posted eye-popping stats: 19.4 points and 12 rebounds per game. From there, he transferred to Eastern Washington, where he averaged 15.4 points over two seasons and earned all-conference honors. His path then led to Washington State, where a shoulder injury limited him to just six games, ultimately resulting in a redshirt year.
Despite missing most of the 2023–24 season, Coward made waves during the NBA Combine. Scouts were impressed with his strength, motor, and defensive versatility, helping cement his decision to stay in the draft. As of now, he’s projected to be a first-round pick.
Duke originally beat out Alabama, Florida, Kansas, and Washington for the transfer forward’s commitment, but now they’ll move forward without him. The Blue Devils will rely heavily on freshmen talent and returners to make up for Coward’s absence.
What This Means for Duke
Cedric Coward was expected to be a glue guy someone who could defend multiple positions, rebound, hit open shots, and be a veteran voice in a young locker room. Without him, Duke’s depth takes a hit. It puts more pressure on Cooper Flagg, Cayden and Cameron Boozer, and Dame Sarr to produce from Day 1.
Scheyer’s squad remains a top contender nationally, but losing Coward makes things less certain, especially on the defensive end.
A Ripple Effect in the Bluegrass?
With Coward gone from Duke’s plans, attention now shifts to Kentucky’s Otega Oweh, who is still deciding whether to return for his senior season or stay in the draft.
Oweh averaged 16.2 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game last season and was the Wildcats’ leading scorer. Like Coward, he’s been testing the waters and receiving feedback from NBA teams.
If Oweh returns, it gives Mark Pope’s squad a major boost especially considering how well Kentucky has reloaded via the transfer portal:
Kentucky’s 2025-26 Transfers:
- Kam Williams (Tulane) – 9.3 PPG, 41.2% 3PT
- Jaland Lowe (Pitt) – 16.8 PPG, 5.5 APG
- Mo Dioubate (Alabama) – 7.2 PPG, elite defender
- Jayden Quaintance (Arizona State) – 9.4 PPG, 7.9 RPG
- Andrija Jelavic (Mega Basket) – 10.8 PPG
- Denzel Aberdeen (Florida) – 7.7 PPG
- Reece Potter (Miami OH) – 6.5 PPG
- Braydon Hawthorne (Huntington Prep) – 4⭐ recruit
Along with returners like Brandon Garrison, Collin Chandler, and Trent Noah, and high-profile freshmen Malachi Moreno and Jasper Johnson, Kentucky looks every bit like a Final Four threat — especially if Oweh comes back.
Final Thoughts
Duke may have lost a key piece in Cedric Coward, but the decision marks a win for his personal journey from Division III hopeful to projected NBA first-round pick.
As one Blue Devil steps into the pros, another potential star Otega Oweh holds the fate of Kentucky’s ceiling in his hands. Whether he stays or goes could shift the power balance between two of college basketball’s blue bloods heading into the 2025–26 season.
Leave a Reply