Duke because of the coaching staff’s genuine care for players, both on and off the court, despite ultimately entering the NBA Draft.
Cedric Coward‘s journey has been nothing short of winding. He began at Division III Willamette before transferring to Eastern Washington and then Washington State. Injuries cut his time with the Cougars short, limiting him to just six games this season.
Despite never playing a game for the Blue Devils, Coward holds Jon Scheyer and Duke in high regard.
“coach Scheyer was super happy for me,” Coward said Tuesday during his media availability in New York City before the NBA Draft.
“The thing that I loved about him was not only that he was a player’s coach and not only that he had a great plan, but he also wanted me to succeed anyways, weather I was [at Duke] or [in the NBA].”
Praise for Scheyer
Coward believes Scheyer has what it takes to be a legendary coach.
“Coach Scheyer, honestly, he’s going to be the next Coach K if he wants to be because he’s just that smart, he’s that much of a people person, he’s that intrigued in not only the players as players but the players as people,” he stated.
“And, for me, that’s the reason I picked Duke. Not only do they have their whole starting five pretty much getting drafted but the fact that they cared really much about people and where you were going to end up, that mattered a lot to me.”
Did you know? Mike Krzyzewski, known as Coach K, retired from Duke in 2022 after a legendary career.
NBA Draft dreams
Coward entered the transfer portal and put his name in for the 2025 NBA Draft together, committing to Duke over alabama. After workouts and meetings, he saw his draft stock soar.
It became clear that the Fresno, California native would never wear a Duke jersey. Jon Scheyer had to pivot, eventually landing international prospect dame Sarr.
There will be a lot of Blue Devils surrounding Cedric Coward at the Barclays center on Wednesday night as Cooper Flagg, Kon Knueppel, and khaman Maluach are expected to be selected in the Top 10 picks – and it’s something that’s not lost on him.
In recent mock drafts Coward is projected to go anywhere from the late lottery to the end of the first round.
Coward is focused on his own game. “My job is to play basketball,” he added. “It’s not my job to worry about who I’m talking to or what meeting is set up…My job is to go in there and make my best impression to people and show them who I am,and then to play basketball.”
ready for the next level
coward received advice to enter the NBA Draft. If he got advice to return to college, he was ready to join the Blue Devils.
“That was the backup plan, but they said they thought I was ready. I believed that I was ready.”
The NBA Draft begins on Wednesday night at 8:00 p.m. ET (ESPN).
Cedric Coward’s NBA Draft Outlook: Strengths, Weaknesses, and Potential Role
As Cedric Coward prepares for teh 2025 NBA Draft, the focus shifts from his college journey to his potential impact at the next level.While his path has been unconventional, his talent and potential have caught the eye of NBA scouts. Coward’s journey began at the D-III level before culminating at washington State,and now he aims to make a name for himself in the professional ranks.
Coward’s unique skillset makes him an intriguing prospect. He has a 7’2.25″ wingspan [[1]] which allows him to be a disruptive presence on the defensive end. But, despite his extraordinary physical attributes, he needs to hone his skills further to excel.
key Strengths
- Length and Athleticism: Coward’s size and wingspan give him a significant advantage.His leaping ability, including a 38.5-inch no-step vertical jump [[1]] translates to shot-blocking and rebounding. These traits are highly valued in today’s NBA, helping fuel his rising draft stock.
- Versatility: Though his role is still developing, Coward has the potential to play multiple positions. This adaptability makes him more attractive to teams looking for versatile players.
- Work Ethic: Coward’s commitment to improving his game is evident in his decision to enter the draft and pursue professional basketball.
Areas for Enhancement
- Offensive Consistency: To succeed in the NBA, Coward needs to round out his offensive game. Building a reliable jump shot and refining post moves will be crucial.
- Experience: After playing only six games in his last season at Washington State due to injury, Coward lacks significant game time. More experience will help him make quicker decisions.
- Strength: Adding muscle to his frame will allow him to compete more effectively against seasoned NBA players.
Projected Role and Potential Impact
What kind of role can Coward realistically expect in the NBA? Coward is likely to start his career in a developmental role, possibly playing limited minutes.Initially,he’ll need to focus on defense,rebounding,and making smart plays.
Can Cedric Coward become a valuable asset for an NBA team? Yes, absolutely. If Cedric Coward dedicates himself to improving his skills in the areas highlighted above, he has a high ceiling. He could develop into a valuable role player who provides energy,defense,and the ability to contribute across multiple positions.
Coward’s draft position will likely impact his early playing time. He is projected to go anywhere from the late lottery to the end of the first round.[[3]]. The team that drafts him will need to be patient, providing him with the necessary coaching and progress to reach his full potential.
Expert Insight: NBA scouts are closely watching Coward’s workouts and interviews to assess his potential.His character,work ethic,and ability to learn quickly will be key factors in his success.
The future is unwritten for Cedric Coward. With the right coaching, the right environment, and a commitment to hard work, he has the opportunity to make a lasting impact on the NBA.
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