Despite sitting out scrimmages due to a shoulder injury, Duke transfer Cedric Coward is rapidly climbing 2025 NBA Draft boards. The 17.7 points-per-game scorer, who transferred from Washington State, has become a focal point for scouts impressed by his offensive versatility and playmaking.
NBA personnel remain bullish on his upside, labeling him a “major riser up boards.” Once an overlooked talent, Coward now finds himself in top-20 discussions. The Brooklyn Nets are widely projected to take a swing on the dynamic wing, whose draft stock continues to soar heading into June’s first round.
Nets Eye ‘Major Riser’ Cedric Coward as Potential First-Round Pick
Coward has emerged as one of the fastest-rising names in the 2025 NBA Draft conversation, drawing strong attention from teams like the Brooklyn Nets. A 6’6″ wing with an impressive 7’2″ wingspan, Coward’s unconventional path—from Division III Eastern Washington to Washington State—has fueled excitement about his trajectory.
Cedric Coward is EASILY one of the biggest winners of the combine
He’s shot well in drills, has a freaky 7’2” wing span at 6’5” and tested great athletically too with a 38.5” max vert
He’s a career 38.6% 3PT shooter in college and there’s a big chance he stays in the draft now pic.twitter.com/3t9hqfcLd7
— Point Made Basketball (@pointmadebball) May 13, 2025
Although he committed to Duke late in the process, he only appeared in six games during the 2024–25 season due to a shoulder injury.
Still, Coward’s brief stint made a lasting impression. He averaged 17.7 points, 7.0 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 0.8 steals, and 1.7 blocks while shooting 55.7% from the field, 40% from three, and 83.9% at the line.
His statistical profile places him among only three wings nationwide to hit at least 17 points, 7 boards, and 3 assists per game while shooting above 36% from beyond the arc.
NBA scouts have taken notice, especially given Coward’s rapid climb across college levels.
“A major riser up draft boards, Coward’s potential is completely unknown,” CSN reported. “But as a 6’6″ two-guard who has made the transition from D-III to low D-I to major D-I within three seasons, there’s belief that Coward could continue his exponential growth in the league. In talent claiming mode, Brooklyn takes an understandable chance here.”
Coward has signaled he’s all-in on going pro.
“I’m 100-percent focused on the draft,” he said.
Unless he receives discouraging feedback, he intends to remain in the pool. He has until May 28 to withdraw and retain NCAA eligibility, but sources close to Duke suggest he is unlikely to return.
“I think Duke feels the same way right now, that he is likely to stay in the draft,” Jeff Goodman noted.
At the NBA Combine, Coward continued to generate buzz.
“It felt like Coward didn’t miss a shot during today’s drills… he might be playing his way into the first round,” Isaac Trotter of 247Sports observed.
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With interest from franchises like the Nets, Heat, Magic, Hawks, and Celtics, Coward’s stock appears locked in for June.
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