Cedric Coward didn’t have the traditional or easy path to success. After not getting many looks, he committed to Willamette University, a Division III school in Salem, Oregon. There, he averaged 19.4 points and 12 rebounds per game as a freshman. He started in 17 of the 26 games he played in.
His successes there were good enough for him to transfer to the Division I level at Eastern Washington University. In his two seasons there, he averaged a combined 11.3 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 1.7 assists. His second season at Eastern Washington was where he really exploded, as his point total rose to double digits at 15.4 points.
His breakout season at Eastern Washington in his junior year led to his transferring for a second time to Washington State University. He only played in six games at Washington State before being hurt for the remainder of the season. However, in those six games, he played well, averaging 17.7 points and seven rebounds.
Throughout his collegiate career at the Division I level, he shot 59.5% from the field and 38.8% from three. He also gets things done on the defensive end, averaging just under a steal and block per game.
“Cedric Coward’s journey from Division III to potential first-round pick wasn’t the most conventional, but it’s part of what makes him so intriguing. While his 3-and-D skill set is well-established, his advanced feel for the game and playmaking instincts set him apart from other wings in this class.”
Collegiate Career Ends After All
For his fifth season, Coward entered both the NBA Draft and the transfer portal. He originally ended up transferring to Duke, which would have been his first time playing at a Power Four conference in the ACC. But ultimately, he decided to forgo Duke and keep his name in the NBA Draft.
Some experts have him viewed as a late first-round pick being selected 25th by the Orlando Magic.
“At 6’6” with a sturdy frame, Coward checks all the boxes physically. He’s smooth in space, embraces contact, and consistently impacts the game with energy and toughness. He does all the little things — crashing the glass, rotating on defense, and making smart, unselfish plays. His defensive versatility stands out, with the quickness and length to switch across multiple positions and the discipline to excel as an off-ball defender.”
At 6’6″ and with a solid frame, he fits the mold of today’s NBA perfectly as a three-and-d guy. After watching some films and looking at his numbers, I saw he is similar to Josh Hart. He can handle a lot of minutes, is physically strong, hustles all around the court on both ends, and can shoot.
“Offensively, Coward is a dependable floor spacer, shooting 38.8% from 3 during his Division I career. He’s also a capable passer with sharp vision, making him more than just a catch-and-shoot threat.”
How Does Coward Fit With The Magic?
“The Magic are ready to take the next step in their rise. Coward’s two-way ability reinforces Orlando’s strength on the defensive end and provides optimism for offensive improvements.”
KEEP READING: Cedric Coward, Dubbed ‘Jaylen Williams’ of the 2025 NBA Draft, Set To Take the NBA by Storm
Offensively, Coward serves as another shooter paired with Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner. With the Magic not really having a true playmaking point guard, Coward can help in that regard due to his sharp vision, which takes pressure off of younger guys like Cole Anthony and Anthony Black.
Defensively, Coward adds some versatility and the ability to guard anybody on the court besides the center due to his quickness, length, and IQ to switch as an off-ball defender. Coward can help the Magic, as they also dealt with many injuries last season. He will be a good addition to the team and keep them in the playoffs. However, if the Magic want to go on a deep run, they need to land a star one way or the other.
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