Duke’s Isaiah Evans stunned the NCAA by withdrawing from the 2025 NBA Draft on May 11, redirecting attention to emerging talents like Cedric Coward. As Evans returns to the Blue Devils, he might step into the role previously held by Cooper Flagg, and fans and analysts are buzzing about Coward’s potential.
The stage is set for a thrilling season, with Coward poised to shine in the spotlight.
Cedric Coward in Spotlight as Duke’s Isaiah Evans Withdraws from 2025 NBA Draft
On May 11, 2025, NBA Communications announced that Evans had pulled out of the 2025 NBA Draft and decided to return to the Blue Devils and forgo the NBA Draft Combine in Chicago.
DRAFT COMBINE UPDATE: Isaiah Evans (Duke) has withdrawn from the 2025 NBA Draft and will not attend the 2025 NBA Draft Combine.
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) May 11, 2025
Now that Evans has withdrawn from the scene, focus has moved to other talented players appearing on the horizon of the NCAA, and Cedric Coward has become a player to watch.
Thanks to the NCAA’s rule allowing undrafted players to come back, Evans—the player who initially entered the draft while still being eligible for college—is taking the chance to back out.
Coward, previously highlighted by Sports Illustrated’s NBA Draft Digest as a “potential second-round pick in the 2024 NBA Draft,” has been gaining traction for his versatile skill set as a jumbo guard/wing. The report noted, “Given he’s a jumbo guard/wing with a solid 3-point shooter and a defensive playmaker, Coward has an NBA skillset he can fall back on.”
Now, with Evans’ return amplifying Duke’s visibility, experts believe Coward could benefit from the heightened competition.
A reporter, reflecting on the program’s innovative approach to Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals, stated in 2022, “The next NIL chapter for Duke Basketball is going to be really interesting: it’s called The Brotherhood. Live and it’s going to be a player-owned and operated deal.”
This infrastructure could provide Coward a platform to boost his profile if he aligns with Duke or a similar program.
A college basketball analyst pointed out, “Coward also stands out as an outstanding rebounder at his level of play: a 15.4% rebound rate during his sophomore season”.
With Evans’ return setting the stage for a competitive season, the pressure is on for talents like Coward to seize the moment. As Duke prepares for a potential title run, the spotlight on Cedric Coward intensifies, with the NCAA world eagerly awaiting his next move.
Fans Rally Behind Cedric Coward’s Rising Star
One enthusiastic supporter on X expressed their eagerness for Cedric Coward to take center stage, writing, “Cedric Coward… you are next.” This comment reflects the growing anticipation among fans who see Coward as the next big talent to emerge from the NCAA.
Another fan highlighted Coward’s potential to elevate a team, stating: “You are spot on! Coward makes this team a legit title contender! Duke step up the NIL!!!”
This reaction shows the fan’s belief in Coward’s ability to transform a squad into a championship contender, while also urging Duke to leverage Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals to secure or support his talents.
A different user directly called for action, commenting, “Now do Cedric Coward.” This straightforward plea indicates the fan’s impatience and excitement for Coward to make a significant move, possibly declaring for a prominent team or the draft, riding the wave of attention in the NCAA basketball scene.
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Another supporter’s passionate outburst read, “CEDRIC COWARD DO ITTTTTTTTTTTTTTT.” The all-caps message and extended exclamation convey a sense of urgency and high energy, with the fan rallying behind Coward to seize the moment and make a bold impact, whether on the court or in his career decisions.
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