Duke Basketball Transfer Prize Picks NBA Over Blue Devils

The 2025-26 Duke basketball team will not include former Washington State wing Cedric Coward.

Duke basketball commit Cedric Coward had until 11:59 p.m. ET on May 28 to decide whether to remain an early NBA Draft entrant or return to college for his final year of eligibility. But the former Eastern Washington and Washington State standout made up his mind a few days early, ultimately choosing the professional ranks over a season with Jon Scheyer’s Blue Devils.

Coward, who ranks No. 13 overall and No. 2 among shooting guards in this year’s transfer portal, confirmed his decision on Saturday, roughly a month after pledging allegiance to the Duke basketball program.

The early start to Cedric Coward’s pro career makes sense. After all, the 6-foot-5, 213-pound prospect shined at the NBA Draft Combine in Chicago earlier this month and is now projected as a first-rounder across several mock drafts and big boards.

He’s one of three transfers who have committed to the Blue Devils this cycle. The other two, nowhere near as highly touted as Coward, are former two-year Rice big man Ifeanyi Ufochukwu and three-year Princeton guard Jack Scott.

In a significant development for Duke basketball, prized transfer Cedric Coward has opted to remain in the 2025 NBA Draft, foregoing his commitment to the Blue Devils. This decision, announced on Saturday, comes just weeks after Coward pledged to join Duke for the upcoming season. Duke Basketball Report+10CBSSports.com+10NBC Sports+10Backing The Pack+6Athlon Sports+6ESPN.com+6

Coward, a 6-foot-5, 213-pound guard, previously showcased his talents at Eastern Washington and Washington State. His impressive performance at the NBA Draft Combine in Chicago earlier this month significantly boosted his draft stock, with projections now placing him as a potential first-round pick.

sion: “This is the best opportunity for me to achieve part of my dream, which is making the NBA. Everything is pointing in the right direction right now to follow that.”

Coward’s departure leaves a notable gap in Duke’s roster for the 2025–26 season. Head Coach Jon Scheyer will now look to other talents to fill the void, including incoming freshman Cameron Boozer and potential recruit Dame Sarr.\

Despite the setback, Duke remains poised to maintain its competitive edge in the upcoming season, relying on its depth and the development of existing players.