Breaking: Transfer to Washington State One of the portal’s best guards, Cedric Coward, has pledged allegiance to Duke.

In a move that is expected to send shockwaves through the college basketball world, Cedric Coward, one of the most highly sought-after guards in the NCAA Transfer Portal, has officially pledged his allegiance to the Duke Blue Devils. This commitment comes as a significant blow to Washington State, his previous school, and further solidifies Duke’s reputation as a powerhouse in the world of college basketball.

Cedric Coward’s rise to prominence has been nothing short of meteoric. Hailing from a small town in North Carolina, Coward’s raw talent was apparent early on. Standing at 6’4″ with the ability to play both guard positions, his versatility and basketball IQ caught the eye of scouts long before his official recruitment. After a stellar high school career, Coward committed to Washington State, a program known for its disciplined approach to the game but lacking the national recognition that some of the traditional basketball powerhouses possess.

In his time with Washington State, Coward made an immediate impact. His freshman season was marked by flashes of brilliance, particularly his ability to score from both beyond the arc and attacking the basket. He averaged a solid 13.5 points per game, contributing significantly to the Cougars’ offensive efforts. What truly set him apart, however, was his defensive prowess. Coward quickly became known as a lockdown defender, capable of guarding multiple positions, a rare trait for a player of his age. This combination of offense and defense made him one of the most well-rounded guards in the Pac-12 Conference.

But despite Coward’s individual success, Washington State struggled to gain national recognition during his tenure. The team’s lack of consistent performance in the postseason and their inability to crack into the top tier of the Pac-12 standings left Coward with some tough decisions to make.

As the 2024-2025 college basketball season neared its conclusion, rumors began circulating that Coward would enter the NCAA Transfer Portal. These rumors were based on his desire to play for a program with a legitimate shot at competing for national championships. While Washington State offered Coward an environment to develop his game and shine as a standout individual, the competitive drive within him sought a more high-profile opportunity. Entering the portal opened the door to what would ultimately be one of the most high-stakes recruiting battles of the offseason.

Within days of his announcement, Coward’s name was at the top of many transfer rankings. Teams from across the country began reaching out, and for the first time in his basketball career, he found himself the subject of widespread recruitment by some of the biggest programs in college basketball. Schools like Kentucky, Kansas, and North Carolina expressed interest, while programs such as UCLA and Arizona made strong pushes. However, it was Duke, the storied Blue Devils program, that ultimately won Coward’s heart.

Duke University, under the leadership of head coach Jon Scheyer, has established itself as one of the premier destinations for elite college basketball talent. After taking over for the legendary Mike Krzyzewski, Scheyer has maintained Duke’s place among the upper echelon of college hoops. The Blue Devils are consistently in the hunt for NCAA championships, and their reputation for developing NBA-ready talent is unmatched.

For Cedric Coward, choosing Duke was a decision rooted in both the opportunity for growth and the chance to compete at the highest level. In an exclusive interview following his commitment, Coward expressed his excitement about the future in Durham.

“I’ve always admired the way Duke plays the game — fast, tough, and with a purpose,” Coward said. “When I sat down with Coach Scheyer and his staff, I realized this was the place where I could truly elevate my game and develop into the player I want to be. I want to win at the highest level, and I believe Duke gives me that opportunity.”

Coward’s skill set is perfectly suited for the Blue Devils’ system. His ability to both score and facilitate will provide a dynamic presence in Duke’s backcourt, and his defensive ability will mesh well with the team’s aggressive defensive philosophy. Additionally, Coward’s leadership qualities and high basketball IQ fit the mold of the type of player Scheyer looks to develop.

The fit seems seamless. With the departure of some key players from the 2024-2025 Duke roster, Coward will likely step into a starting role and be counted on to make an immediate impact. His ability to play both guard positions gives Duke flexibility in its lineup, and his presence will undoubtedly add depth to the Blue Devils’ backcourt.

Coward’s decision to transfer out of Washington State is a significant loss for the program. Under the guidance of head coach Kyle Smith, Washington State has made strides in recent years, but they have struggled to break into the upper ranks of the Pac-12. The departure of a player like Coward will undoubtedly hurt, especially given his importance to the team on both ends of the floor.

Coward’s time at Washington State was marked by growth, not just as a player but as a leader. He took on the responsibility of leading a young team, and his experience and ability to perform under pressure were invaluable. Losing a player of his caliber is always difficult, but it’s especially challenging when you’re a program like Washington State that relies on recruiting under-the-radar talent and developing them into stars.

For Smith, the challenge will now be to find a way to replace Coward’s production. Fortunately, the transfer portal offers opportunities for teams to fill roster holes, and Washington State will likely be active in seeking a new guard to fill the void left by Coward’s departure. However, it’s clear that replacing a player with Coward’s skill set won’t be easy, and it will be a significant hurdle for the Cougars to overcome in the coming seasons.

While the decision to transfer was a difficult one, there is no doubt that Cedric Coward is set to make a lasting impact at Duke. As a program that is always in the national spotlight, his arrival in Durham will only increase the Blue Devils’ status as one of the nation’s premier basketball programs. Coward’s dynamic ability to play both ends of the floor will fit seamlessly into the ACC’s competitive landscape, and many expect him to quickly become one of the top guards in the conference.

With the ACC being one of the strongest basketball conferences in the country, Coward will be challenged night in and night out. From the fierce rivalry games against teams like North Carolina and Virginia to the highly competitive ACC Tournament, every game will be a test of his skills and resolve. However, if his performance in the Pac-12 is any indication, Coward is more than capable of rising to the occasion.

As Duke looks to build on its recent successes and continue its dominance in college basketball, Cedric Coward’s commitment serves as a testament to the program’s ability to attract top-tier talent. With his leadership, skill set, and determination, Coward is poised to be a central figure in Duke’s quest for yet another national championship.

Cedric Coward’s commitment to Duke marks a turning point in his basketball career. After three impressive seasons at Washington State, he is ready for the next challenge: playing for one of the most prestigious programs in the country. His decision to leave Washington State and join Duke signals his desire to compete at the highest level and pursue his dream of playing in the NBA. For Washington State, this loss will be a tough one to absorb, but it’s also a reminder of the changing nature of college basketball, where the transfer portal plays an increasingly significant role in shaping the future of programs and players alike.

For Duke, this is a major win. Cedric Coward is a player capable of making an immediate impact on both ends of the floor, and his arrival in Durham has the potential to make the Blue Devils even more formidable in their quest for another NCAA title. As Coward begins his journey with Duke, basketball fans across the nation will be watching closely to see how this dynamic guard fits into the Blue Devils’ system and helps propel them toward a bright future.