In what could be a game-changing move for Jon Scheyer and the Duke basketball program, Washington State standout Cedric Coward has officially narrowed his transfer options to just two schools: Duke and Alabama.
The 6-foot-6 shooting guard, one of the top remaining players in the transfer portal, initially had a list of five programs that included Kansas, Florida, and Washington. But now, it’s a two-horse race — and Duke is right in the thick of it.
While Coward is still testing the NBA Draft waters, his representation has confirmed that if he returns to college, it will be in either Durham or Tuscaloosa. The timing couldn’t be better for the Blue Devils, who are reeling from the loss of their entire starting five from last season. With Tyrese Proctor, Kon Knueppel, and Cooper Flagg declaring for the draft — and Khaman Maluach expected to follow — a veteran scoring presence like Coward’s could be exactly what the roster needs.
Coward’s journey has been far from conventional. After starting his college career at Division III Willamette University, he made a name for himself during two standout seasons at Eastern Washington, earning All-Big Sky First Team honors in 2024. He transferred to Washington State for the 2024-25 season but was limited to just six games due to injury. Still, his numbers were electric: 17.7 points, 7 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.7 blocks per game, shooting 55.7% from the field and 40% from deep.
Now, despite being ranked just #55 on ESPN’s 2025 NBA Draft board, Coward is one of the most coveted names still available in the portal. On3 ranks him #21 overall and the #8 shooting guard, while among active targets, he’s listed as the #5 player and #3 shooting guard.
Adding Coward would be a massive win for Duke. With Caleb Foster and freshman Cayden Boozer projected as the starting backcourt for 2025-26, Coward’s experience and scoring punch would provide much-needed depth and leadership. The Blue Devils are also still waiting on a decision from Isaiah Evans, though his chances of returning are improving with the portal window closing today.
Darren Harris has already confirmed he’ll return for his sophomore season, and Sion James, a standout grad transfer from Tulane last year, was a key portal win for Scheyer. Bringing in Coward would show the staff is serious about staying competitive despite recent challenges.
Scheyer’s recruiting class took a hit recently with five-star Shelton Henderson decommitting and Nate Ament flipping to Tennessee, leaving some to question the direction of the program. However, with elite freshman Cameron Boozer headlining the next crop of talent, Duke still has plenty of firepower.
Landing Coward wouldn’t just be a boost — it could be the catalyst that launches Duke back into the national spotlight. With the portal deadline here, all eyes are now on Coward’s next move. And if he picks Duke?
Brace yourselves, Cameron Indoor Stadium. The comeback season could be just beginning.
