Duke basketball is entering a summer of uncertainty. With NBA Draft decisions looming and roster turnover at an all-time high, the Blue Devils’ hopes for next season may hinge on the fate of one transfer star. The question on everyone’s mind: What happens if Cedric Coward never suits up in Durham?
Cedric Coward’s NBA Draft Rise Leaves Duke in Limbo
Coward, who transferred to Duke after a stellar season at Washington State, has become the talk of the NBA Draft Combine. Measuring 6-foot-6½ with a 7’2” wingspan and shooting 72% on aggregate jumpers in drills, Coward’s physical and shooting tools have NBA teams buzzing.
Completely his decision. Do what’s best for you and yours young man. https://t.co/SyaAVYwUN9
— Duke Basketball (@DukeManiacs) May 14, 2025
“I’m 100-percent focused on the draft,” Coward recently said, emphasizing that his communication with Jon Scheyer and the Duke staff remains open and supportive as he weighs his options.
Analysts now believe it’s “increasingly unlikely” Coward will step foot on campus, with ESPN’s Jonathan Givony describing him as “one of the biggest risers this week at the combine” and projecting him as a potential first-round pick. His rapid ascent is forcing Duke to prepare for a future without the player they hoped would anchor their new-look roster. As one NBA Draft analyst put it, “Sounding increasingly unlikely he’ll step foot on campus in Durham”.
Coward’s decision is especially impactful given Duke’s recent losses. With Cooper Flagg, Kon Knueppel, and Tyrese Proctor all declaring for the NBA Draft, the Blue Devils are staring down a major overhaul. Coward, who averaged 17.7 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 3.7 assists last season, was expected to play a key role alongside returners Isaiah Evans and Caleb Foster.
Duke’s Roster Outlook: Adjusting to Life Without Coward
If Coward remains in the draft, Duke’s depth chart will look dramatically different. The Blue Devils have already lost several key contributors, and Coward’s absence would leave a significant gap in both scoring and experience.
Duke may need to adjust if Coward stays in the draft, and the program is now focusing on other impactful players like Dame Sarr to fill the gap.
Despite the uncertainty, there are reasons for optimism. Duke returns promising talents like Isaiah Evans, who passed on the NBA Draft to return for his sophomore season, and Caleb Foster, who will bring stability to the backcourt. Maliq Brown, a defensive standout limited by injury last year, and Patrick Ngongba II, a former four-star recruit, are also set to play larger roles.
The incoming recruiting class, headlined by five-star forward Cameron Boozer and his brother Cayden, is ranked No. 1 in the nation. Cameron Boozer, projected as a top-three pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, gives Duke a rare opportunity to reload quickly.
What’s Next for Jon Scheyer and the Blue Devils?
As Jon Scheyer enters his fourth year at the helm, the pressure is on to retool the roster and keep Duke in national title contention. The staff’s focus now shifts to player development and integrating the nation’s top recruiting class, while also exploring late transfer portal options to address any remaining holes.
The outcome of Coward’s draft decision will shape Duke’s ceiling for the 2025-26 season. If he stays in the NBA, the Blue Devils must rely on their young core and incoming freshmen to carry the load. If he returns, Duke instantly regains a proven scorer and versatile defender.
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Duke’s offseason hangs in the balance as Coward’s NBA Draft journey unfolds. Whether he dons a Blue Devils jersey or heads straight to the pros, his decision will reverberate throughout college basketball- and determine just how high Duke can aim next season.
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