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Former Washington State forward Cedric Coward said Wednesday that he is committed to the 2025 NBA draft after electing to test the process last month.
Coward averaged 17.7 points, seven rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.7 blocks on 40% shooting from 3-point range (12-of-30) with the Cougars this past season. He made just six appearances before sustaining a season-ending shoulder injury in November.
The 6-foot-6 standout initially declared for the draft while also entering the transfer portal, leaving open the possibility of playing in college next season. He announced his commitment to Duke last month, but he is currently locked in on the predraft process.
“I’m 100% focused on the draft,” Coward said, via Isaac Trotter of 247Sports. “Talking to Coach (Jon) Scheyer and the staff, I communicate pretty much everything with them as I gain information. They’re 100% with me on my focus on the draft right now because this is my dream.”
Coward began playing at Willamette University (Division III). He transferred to Eastern Washington for two years and was named to the All-Big Sky first team during the 2023-24 season, averaging 15.4 points, 6.7 rebounds and 1.7 assists on 38.3% shooting from beyond the arc.
The 21-year-old is a potential first-round pick this year, with his ability to score at all three levels and defend multiple positions. He boasts a 7-foot, 2 1/4-inch wingspan, enabling him to protect the rim, rebound and play the passing lanes.
Coward had an outstanding showing at the draft combine on Tuesday, shooting 17-of-25 in the 3-point star drill and 14-of-23 from the corner. He is going to continue receiving feedback up until the early entry withdrawal deadline on May 28 and then weigh his options for next season.
“I don’t have like a specific thing that I need to hear,” Coward said. “Obviously, if it’s like, ‘You’re going to be a lottery pick,’ then, yeah, I’m going to leave (for the draft). I don’t know if it is something specific I need to hear. I just know it is the conversation with my agent that will help me decide with the best information I have for the best decision for me.”
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