Cedric Coward Puts Duke Basketball Roster in Limbo
Most reports of Cedric Coward’s commitment to Duke basketball head coach Jon Scheyer and his staff on Monday evening are not worded correctly. After all, the Blue Devils have not actually “landed” the former Washington State and Eastern Washington forward just yet.
No, in reality, Duke is still in a battle with the pro route for Coward’s services next season.
“There’s no timetable on a decision,” the 21-year-old Coward, who averaged over 15 points and six rebounds in each of his past two campaigns while also excelling as a lockdown defender, explained to The Field of 68 shortly after announcing his Duke basketball pledge. “As I gain more info, I’ll come to a more informed decision on what’s best for me.”
In addition to entering the transfer portal earlier this month, Cedric Coward declared for the 2025 NBA Draft.
And several draft experts project the 6-foot-6, 190-pounder to hear his name either late in the first round or early in the second.
So, it seems Coward has real incentive to remain a draft prospect.
The deadline to withdraw from the 2025 NBA Draft and maintain NCAA eligibility doesn’t arrive until May 28.
Coward currently ranks No. 13 overall among prospects who entered this year’s transfer portal, per 247Sports.
Stay tuned to Duke Blue Devils On SI for more Duke basketball transfer portal news.
Cedric Coward’s decision to transfer to Duke University has introduced a layer of uncertainty to the Blue Devils’ basketball roster for the 2025–26 season. The 6-foot-6 wing from Washington State, who previously played under Coach David Riley at Eastern Washington, brings impressive credentials, including a career-high 30-point game and averages of 17.7 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 3.7 assists in the early part of the 2024–25 season before a season-ending shoulder injury .
Coward’s commitment to Duke, announced on April 28, 2025, was a significant acquisition for the Blue Devils. He chose Duke over other programs, including Alabama, highlighting the program’s appeal and the potential fit within Coach Jon Scheyer’s system . ([First Portal Score As Cedric Coward Chooses Duke Over Alabama]
However, Coward’s current status is complicated. He is still recovering from shoulder surgery and is evaluating his options regarding the NBA Draft. This dual consideration—balancing the potential of returning to college basketball with the allure of professional opportunities—places Duke’s roster in a state of flux. If Coward opts to return to college, he could serve as a valuable second or third scoring option for the Blue Devils. Conversely, if he decides to pursue a professional career, Duke will need to adjust its roster plans accordingly.
This uncertainty is further compounded by the recent departure of Khaman Maluach, who declared for the NBA Draft. Maluach’s exit leaves a gap in Duke’s frontcourt, which Coward could potentially fill, provided he returns to college basketball. The combination of Coward’s potential return and Maluach’s departure underscores the fluid nature of roster construction in college basketball and the challenges programs face in maintaining stability.
Duke’s recruitment of Coward also signals the program’s proactive approach in strengthening its roster through the transfer portal. By securing a player of Coward’s caliber, Duke aims to bolster its lineup and maintain competitiveness in the highly challenging ACC. However, the final impact of this acquisition hinges on Coward’s decision regarding his professional aspirations.
In conclusion, while Cedric Coward’s commitment to Duke adds a promising dimension to the Blue Devils’ roster, his current indecision regarding the NBA Draft introduces an element of uncertainty. Duke’s coaching staff and fans alike will be closely monitoring Coward’s decision, as it will significantly influence the team’s composition and prospects for the upcoming season.
