Cedric Coward forgoes Duke, to remain in NBA draft - ESPN

Cedric Coward is keeping his name in the 2025 NBA draft and will forgo the opportunity to play at Duke next season, he told ESPN on Saturday.

«This is the best opportunity for me to achieve part of my dream, which is making the NBA,» Coward said. «Everything is pointing in the right direction right now to follow that.»

Coward, a 21-year-old senior, spent the past season at Washington State, but he was forced to redshirt after suffering a partially torn shoulder labrum that sidelined him after six games and required season-ending surgery. He was averaging 17.7 points, 7.0 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.7 blocks per game, shooting 40% from 3 and drawing significant attention in NBA circles due to his unique backstory, measurables and outstanding productivity.

«NBA teams learned that the injury wasn't a setback,» Coward said. «I got better and became more profound in all the different details of my game. I improved tremendously in aspects that I needed to work on, which showed in my athletic testing and shooting. I'm stronger mentally, physically and emotionally now.»

Coward entered the NCAA transfer portal and in late April announced he had committed to Duke after taking an official visit, spurning interest from the likes of Alabama, Kansas, Washington and Florida.

«Even though I am staying in the draft, I picked Duke for a reason,» Coward said. «I feel like I'm halfway in the brotherhood. This was a difficult decision at first, but after the combine, it became a lot easier with the path I wanted to take.

»This was always the main goal. Even if I went to Duke, it would have been in order to get to this level. I feel like I am ready. It didn't hurt that I did pretty well at the combine."

Coward's standing with NBA teams has