JUST IN: Duke Secures Game-Changing Commitment from Washington State Star Cedric Coward — Elite 6’6″ Guard Brings Scoring Power and Playmaking to Blue Devils After Dominant, Injury-Shortened Season
The Duke Blue Devils just landed one of the biggest prizes of the transfer portal season. Cedric Coward, the dynamic 6-foot-6 guard from Washington State, has officially committed to Duke, sending a clear message that Jon Scheyer’s squad is loading up for a major run in the upcoming college basketball season.
Coward, one of the top-ranked players available in the transfer portal, brings a unique blend of size, skill, and versatility to the Blue Devils’ backcourt. Despite an injury that limited him to just six games last season, Coward’s production was nothing short of electric when he was on the floor — averaging 17.7 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game, showcasing elite scoring instincts, court vision, and a physical presence on both ends of the court.
A Perfect Fit for Duke’s Reloaded Roster
With Duke already boasting a strong returning core and another top-tier recruiting class, the addition of Coward provides a seasoned, battle-tested veteran presence that could prove invaluable. His size and skill set allow him to seamlessly slot into multiple roles — whether as a primary scorer, secondary playmaker, or lockdown perimeter defender.
Head coach Jon Scheyer expressed his excitement about the addition, stating,
“Cedric is a fierce competitor with a high basketball IQ. He plays the game the right way, makes his teammates better, and has the kind of leadership qualities we value here at Duke. We’re thrilled to welcome him to the Brotherhood.”
Overcoming Injury and Eyeing a Major Comeback
While injuries derailed much of Coward’s 2024-25 campaign at Washington State, there’s no denying his talent when healthy. Scouts and analysts still rave about his athleticism, his ability to create his own shot, and his knack for making big plays in clutch moments.
Sources close to Coward report that he is fully recovered and has been training at full strength in recent months, looking sharper and hungrier than ever. His commitment to Duke is seen not only as a fresh start but as an opportunity to elevate his profile on the national stage and potentially solidify his NBA draft stock.
What Coward Brings to Duke
Scoring Ability: A true three-level scorer who can attack the rim, pull up from mid-range, and stretch the defense with his outside shooting.
Playmaking Skills: An underrated passer, Coward has the vision to set up teammates and run the offense when needed.
Versatility: His size allows him to guard multiple positions and fit into various lineups depending on matchups.
Experience: As a senior with high-level collegiate experience, he will provide leadership to a young Duke roster brimming with talent.
Impact on the ACC and Beyond
Coward’s arrival immediately boosts Duke’s chances of contending for an ACC Championship and positions the Blue Devils as a serious threat in the national title conversation. His presence alongside returning stars and a wave of incoming five-star freshmen creates a balanced, dangerous roster capable of matching up against any team in the country.
Fan Reaction and Media Buzz
News of Coward’s commitment quickly went viral, with #BlueDevilNation trending on social media as Duke fans celebrated the big addition. Analysts praised Duke’s recruiting efforts, noting that Scheyer and his staff are proving adept not only at landing elite high school talent but also at strategically navigating the transfer portal to fill critical roster needs.
Looking Ahead
As Duke heads into summer workouts and preseason preparations, all eyes will be on how quickly Cedric Coward can mesh with his new teammates and how Scheyer plans to utilize his versatile skill set. If Coward can return to his pre-injury form — and all indications are that he can — the Blue Devils could have landed the missing piece they need to return to the top of college basketball’s mountain.
For now, one thing is clear:
Duk
e just got a whole lot more dangerous.
