By ADAM ZAGORIA
Duke transfer Cedric Coward is “increasingly unlikely” to step on campus for the 2025-26 season after a strong showing at the NBA Draft Combine in Chicago, according to ESPN’s ‘Jonathan Givony.
“I’m 100-percent focused on the draft,” Coward said in a video that was posted to social media by Isaac Trotter.
“I communicate pretty much everything to [Jon Scheyer and the Duke coaching staff] as I gain information, and they’re 100-percent with me on my focus on the draft right now because this is my dream.”
Cedric Coward — one of the biggest risers this week at the combine — dishes on his stay-or-go decision with Duke.
Impressive dude. pic.twitter.com/I4cW2YhkX6
— Isaac Trotter (@Isaac__Trotter) May 14, 2025
Coward measured 6-foot-6 1/2 with a 7-2 wingspan at the combine and impressed in drills, making it less likely he’ll play at Duke. Givony is touting him as a potential first-round pick.
Footage of Duke-commit Cedric Coward at the NBA draft combine. 6’6 1/2 wing shot the ball well in drills (made 72% of his aggregate jumpers) and measured a 7’2 wingspan. Sounding increasingly unlikely he’ll step foot on campus in Durham. pic.twitter.com/rSkaylz5vE
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) May 15, 2025
Still, Coward did not rule out that he could ultimately play for the Blue Devils.
“There’s a reason I picked them,” he said of Duke.
“It kind of sucks because people think I’m using Duke for just the noise or whatever it may be, but I picked them, and I love coach Scheyer and the staff for a reason, and I believe they can help me if I were to go there.”
The Washington State transfer committed to Duke on April 28, and remains their only major portal addition.
He has until May 28 to withdraw from the NBA Draft.
“I witnessed Cedric Coward’s best game before his injury,” ESPN’s Fran Fraschilla told ZAGSBLOG via text. “He is an eventual NBA player. He is an instant starter on any team in college basketball and his intangibles are off the charts. Will be a great teammate wherever he ends up.”
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