Duke may be one of the hottest college programs right now, but they seem to be having their own set of concerns leading into the new season.
Losing one of their top players early in the NBA Draft is a given, with teams lining up to sign Cameron Boozer and a few others, but one particular name’s availability in the draft has fans concerned about the final outcome.
John Blackwell committed to the Duke Blue Devils this year in April, but his status in the NBA Draft was already clear, with the 21-year-old keen to mix it up with the best at a pro level, leaving many to believe he won’t return to college.
But the former Wisconsin star has left the door open to a return to Duke at the ongoing NBA Draft Combine, even if fans are fearing that he could become the next Cedric Coward and leave them hanging.
“Hope he isn’t gonna use Duke for draft leverage kind of like Coward, I’m a little scared,” one user said.
Another added just as much concern with: “I hope he doesn’t pull a Cedric coward this will be crushing if he does.”
This user tried to find the middle road: “Unlike Cedric he’s not mocked as a potential 1st rd pick, he’s not even mocked to get drafted at all, and I’m sure scheyer wants to avoid another Coward situation and I feel like he wouldn’t go after blackwell if he didn’t feel at least 90% sure John would come to Duke.”
But not everyone is convinced: “lol oh look another Cedric coward.”
Another user chimed in: “he’s gonna cedric coward us”.
What Happened With Cedric Coward?
Fans are right to feel concerned. Cedric Coward also followed a similar path last year when he gave Duke hope by signing with them via the transfer portal in April, only to fancy his chances in the NBA Draft and eventually leave for the big time.
Duke fans will argue that it cost them in the NCAA Tournament, and Blackwell might follow suit if a similar pattern is followed this year too.
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