Cedric Coward: A Key Transfer Prospect for Duke Basketball
As Duke basketball continues to shape its 2025 roster, one intriguing name gaining traction is Cedric Coward, a versatile guard/forward currently in the transfer portal.
While the Blue Devils have yet to make any official additions or losses through the portal this offseason, Coward’s inclusion of Duke in his top five schools — and the growing buzz around his recruitment — suggests Jon Scheyer and his staff are seriously in the mix.
Coward’s journey through college basketball has been unconventional yet impressive. He began at Division III Willamette before transferring to Eastern Washington, where he spent two seasons, and then to Washington State.
Despite his path, he’s proven himself at each stop. Standing at 6-foot-6 and weighing 190 pounds, Coward brings a rare blend of size, skill, and athleticism that could offer Duke valuable depth and experience on the wing.
Though his 2023–24 season at Washington State was cut short due to a rotator cuff injury after just six games, he made a strong impression in that short span. Coward averaged 17.7 points, 7.0 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.7 blocks per game — an all-around stat line that highlights his ability to contribute on both ends of the floor. His injury led to a redshirt season, giving him one more year of eligibility.
In addition to transferring, Coward is also testing the NBA Draft waters, indicating the level of confidence he has in his game. While his final decision may hinge on feedback from NBA scouts, should he return to college, Duke and Alabama appear to be the frontrunners for his commitment. Jeff Goodman of The Field of 68 recently stated that “the two right now for Cedric Coward is Alabama and Duke,” reinforcing the idea that this is a high-stakes recruiting battle.
For Duke, Coward’s potential addition would provide a seasoned playmaker with proven scoring and defensive ability — qualities that could elevate the Blue Devils’ perimeter play. With Jon Scheyer entering his fourth season and still looking to solidify his roster, landing Coward would not only be a strategic win but also a statement in the ever-competitive transfer landscape.
As the offseason unfolds, Cedric Coward remains a name to monitor closely. If he chooses Duke, it could be one of the more impactful transfer moves of the 2025 cycle.
