Jon Scheyer and the Blue Devils are gearing up for another run.
In their first move from the transfer portal this offseason, Duke landed a commitment from 6-foot-6 Washington State graduate transfer Cedric Coward, who announced his decision on April 28 via Instagram.
Coward heads to Durham after appearing in just six games during his lone season at Washington State. A native of Fresno, Calif., he entered the 2024 campaign as a preseason All-WCC selection but suffered a torn labrum that required season-ending surgery. Despite the limited action, he impressed—shooting 55.7% from the field while averaging 17.7 points, seven rebounds, 10 total blocks, and 22 assists.
Coward has declared for the 2024 NBA Draft and will need to withdraw in order to finalize his transfer to Duke.
Before transferring to Washington State, Cedric Coward played two seasons at Eastern Washington, where he started 34 games. He averaged 7.3 points per game as a sophomore and made a significant leap as a junior, posting 15.4 points per game—earning a spot on the All-Big Sky First Team. He also recorded 27 steals as a sophomore and followed that with 215 rebounds and 30 blocks during his junior campaign.
Coward began his collegiate career at Division III Willamette University, where he made an immediate impact. He ranked second nationally with 19 double-doubles, including an impressive streak of 15 straight to close the season.
Now fully recovered from injury, Coward brings a high-level scoring touch, relentless energy, and defensive toughness to a Duke squad aiming for another deep NCAA Tournament run. He’s expected to join rising junior Caleb Foster and incoming freshman Cayden Boozer in a backcourt in need of veteran leadership following the departure of several Blue Devils to the NBA Draft.
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