In a move that signals Duke men’s basketball is not just reloading but reimagining itself for another deep postseason run, former Washington State guard Cedric Coward has officially committed to the Blue Devils. The 6-foot-6 dynamic wing brings with him a reputation for defensive intensity, versatility, and a high motor—three qualities that align seamlessly with head coach Jon Scheyer’s evolving vision in Durham.
Coward, who entered the transfer portal after a breakout campaign at Washington State, chose Duke over several top-tier programs including Kansas, Arizona, and Baylor. In many ways, his decision reflects not just the pull of a historic powerhouse like Duke but also the momentum of a program that’s embracing the modern game without compromising its foundational values. Duke, once thought to rely solely on blue-chip freshmen, has increasingly utilized the transfer portal to build rosters that are both talented and experienced. Coward, a proven competitor with Pac-12 success, fits that mold perfectly.
Coward averaged 10.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game for the Cougars last season, while shooting a respectable 47.5 percent from the floor and 36.4 percent from beyond the arc. His numbers don’t immediately jump off the page, but anyone who watched Washington State’s resurgence in 2024 knows Coward’s impact went far beyond statistics. He was often tasked with guarding the opponent’s best perimeter threat, and he did so with a relentless energy that earned praise from coaches and media alike. His intangibles—leadership, toughness, and basketball IQ—made him one of the most sought-after transfers on the market.
For Coward, the decision to leave Pullman wasn’t easy. Washington State gave him his first real shot, and he rewarded them by helping to lead the Cougars to one of their most successful seasons in recent memory. But like so many athletes in today’s ever-shifting landscape, Coward felt the time was right to test himself on a bigger stage. Enter Duke, a school that combines national exposure, elite facilities, and a culture of winning with the opportunity to contend for a national championship every season.
“I have so much love and respect for Washington State,” Coward said in a statement posted on social media. “They believed in me when a lot of others didn’t. But I’ve always dreamed of playing on the biggest stage, and Duke gives me that chance. I’m ready to work. Let’s go to war.”
Coward’s arrival at Duke is particularly timely. With freshman standout Jared McCain declaring for the NBA Draft and veteran guard Jeremy Roach opting to stay in the portal, the Blue Devils were in need of a backcourt presence who could impact the game on both ends. Coward isn’t a traditional point guard, nor is he a pure scorer—but what he offers is the kind of glue-guy effectiveness that championship teams require. He’s the player who dives for loose balls, takes the toughest defensive assignment, and consistently makes the smart play. And at Duke, where every possession is magnified, those traits are invaluable.
Jon Scheyer’s roster for the 2025–26 season is quickly taking shape, and Coward’s addition adds a new wrinkle to an already intriguing lineup. With Cooper Flagg returning for a sophomore season after rejecting major NIL offers from rival programs, and 7-foot-6 Olivier Rioux transferring in from Florida, the Blue Devils have a roster that blends elite talent with size and maturity. Cedric Coward, with his hard-nosed approach and competitive fire, is the perfect complement.
Scheyer was effusive in his praise for Coward during a recent radio interview, calling him “a competitor in every sense of the word” and “the kind of player who makes everyone around him better.” He noted that Coward’s versatility—being able to guard one through three, initiate offense when needed, and hit open threes—was particularly appealing.
“Cedric’s not coming here to fill a role,” Scheyer said. “He’s coming here to help us win. That’s the bottom line.”
The commitment also represents something of a culture shift for Duke. Under Coach K, the program was synonymous with top-ranked recruiting classes and NBA lottery picks. While that blueprint still exists—Cooper Flagg, Isaiah Evans, and Kon Knueppel headline one of the strongest recruiting classes in the country—the new Duke under Scheyer has embraced balance. Coward, a three-star recruit out of high school who had to prove himself at every level, embodies that shift.
This isn’t the first time Duke has looked to the portal for leadership and production. In recent years, players like Ryan Young, Jacob Grandison, and Theo John brought stability and experience to younger rosters. But Coward may have the biggest upside of any transfer Duke has landed in the Scheyer era. His athleticism and defensive versatility make him a plug-and-play option in virtually any lineup. And his work ethic ensures he won’t need much time to acclimate to the demands of ACC basketball.
Duke fans, notoriously passionate and deeply knowledgeable, have already begun to embrace Coward. His gritty style and team-first mentality echo beloved past Blue Devils like Lance Thomas, Matt Jones, and Amile Jefferson—players who weren’t always the most heralded, but who became essential pieces to championship puzzles. Coward could very well join that lineage.
Recruiting analysts also see the move as a savvy one for both Coward and Duke. “This is a classic win-win,” said 247Sports’ Adam Finkelstein. “Duke gets a proven two-way player who can fill multiple needs, and Coward gets the platform he’s earned. He’s going to shine in that system.”
It remains to be seen exactly how Coward will be deployed. Given the talent on Duke’s roster, he could start or come off the bench, depending on matchups and lineup construction. But what’s certain is that he will play significant minutes in high-leverage situations. He’s too valuable not to.
His addition also sends a message to the rest of college basketball: Duke isn’t just banking on blue-chip potential. They’re building a roster that’s battle-tested, multifaceted, and hungry. In a sport increasingly defined by parity and player movement, adaptability is key. Coward’s commitment represents that adaptability in action.
Off the court, Coward has been praised for his leadership and maturity. Coaches at Washington State frequently cited his locker room presence as a stabilizing force, and he was known for mentoring younger players even as he made his own rise. That type of leadership will be vital in a program that consistently brings in young talent. Having someone like Coward to set the tone in practice, in the film room, and on game day is an asset that can’t be quantified.
His story is also one of perseverance. Overlooked by major programs coming out of high school, Coward worked relentlessly to carve out a role for himself. That underdog mentality never left him, even as his profile grew. At Duke, he’ll have the chance to prove once more that he belongs among the game’s elite.
For Duke, it’s a statement move. The Blue Devils didn’t just land a good player—they landed the right player. Someone who fits their culture, enhances their roster, and raises their ceiling. As the college basketball landscape continues to shift, programs that can identify and secure difference-makers like Cedric Coward will be the ones cutting down nets in March and April.