Cedric Coward’s aspirations for the NBA didn’t quite match his initial path. After graduating high school, he found himself at Willamette University, a Division III program, which wasn’t where he had envisioned starting his journey.
But life has a way of surprising you. Recently, he sat in front of reporters as a hopeful first-round pick for the NBA Draft at Barclays Center.
“This is something I was totally expecting…” Coward shared. “You have to maintain a level of confidence in yourself, even if it seems a bit crazy.”
Admitting he wasn’t at his best during his freshman year, the 6-foot-6 forward from Fresno, California, knew he had to buckle down at Willamette, a small liberal arts school in Oregon.
With fewer distractions at home and a newfound awareness of his potential, Coward honed his skills and developed a work ethic he previously lacked.
He ended up averaging 19.4 points and 12 rebounds, earning the title of Northwest Conference Freshman of the Year. This led him to East Washington University for his sophomore and junior years.
Reflections from the 2025 NBA Draft
“My dad and I have held onto this quote since I left for college: ‘Play for where you want to go.’ It’s a lesson for young kids like me who might not have reached their goals right after high school. If you aim high and believe in yourself, what seems far away might be closer than you think,” he explained.
It was during his time at Eastern Washington that the NBA felt more attainable. In his sophomore year, scouts began to take notice, even though they were originally there to observe other players.
By the time third grade rolled around, Coward was recognized as the “main guy,” and his performance, averaging 15.4 points on 56% shooting, drew attention from scouts.
“When you’re in that zone, it really boosts your confidence,” he mentioned. “Getting these looks makes you think, maybe I can capitalize on this opportunity.”
He transferred to Washington State for his senior season but faced an unexpected setback with a shoulder injury that cut his season short after just six games. After surgery, Coward entered the transfer portal, committed to Duke, but ultimately decided to pursue the NBA instead.
Coward has been training with several teams, including the Nets, who have several first-round picks, one of which is the eighth overall.
