An ESPN analyst is impressed by Cedric Coward, who recently committed to the Duke Blue Devils. The NBA Draft analyst even assumes the Duke commit could be a first-round pick in the coming years. Coward announced his commitment to the Blue Devils this week through his social media account.
During his transfer recruitment, he also declared his name in the NBA Draft for another career focus. As a result, the player has two months in hand to decide if he wants to return to college next season or in the Association. While the fate is yet to be decided, NBA Draft expert has all his trust in Coward.
ESPN Analyst’s Shocking Revelation of Cedric Coward to rise from D3 to A Potential 1st Round Pick (to be approved)
Jonathan Givony, an NBA Draft analyst for ESPN, took to his X account to express his admiration for Cedric Coward. Givony attended a recent workout session with the 21-year-old rising star and was in awe of the player’s physique.
Givony, who has been covering the NBA Draft for more than a decade now, wrote, “Went to see recent-Duke commit Cedric Coward in LA.” Also dubbed as “Draft Express” Givory, while appreciating Coward’s physical profile, continued saying, “Hard not to be impressed by the tremendous physical profile (huge hands, 7 ‘2 wingspan, terrific frame) and budding skill level.”
Went to see recent-Duke commit Cedric Coward in LA. Hard not to be impressed by the tremendous physical profile (huge hands, 7’2 wingspan, terrific frame) and budding skill level. Crazy trajectory from D3 to possible 1st round pick in a span of 3 years. pic.twitter.com/IUY0uT1Kl9
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) May 1, 2025
Additionally, Givony believes that Coward, the former Washington State Cougars player, could be a potential first-round pick. He wrote, “Crazy trajectory from D3 to possible 1st-round pick in a span of 3 years.”
Hailing from Fresno, California, Coward only played six games after transferring to Washington State. The college basketball guard suffered a torn labrum injury, which forced him to be sidelined for the rest of the season.
Coward was ranked No. 13 in the college basketball transfer portal, according to 247 Sports. He averaged 17.7 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 3.7 assists.
He began his college basketball career with Willamette University before moving to Eastern Washington University for the 2023-24 season. As a junior, he was unanimously voted Big Sky first-team All-Conference. In addition, his name was also listed on the NABC All-District First Team.
KEEP READING: Top 10 NIL Deals in Men’s College Basketball
As a high school player, Coward is a two-time Tri-River All-Conference at Central High School in Fresno. As a senior during his prep days, he won the team MVP award and bagged Best Offensive Player as a junior. He also captained the team in both seasons.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!
