The Duke Blue Devils are set to embark on another promising college basketball season, positioned among the best teams in the nation as has become their custom. However, their roster could have seen an exciting enhancement if Cedric Coward, a sought-after transfer from Washington State, had opted to join the program.
Coward had initially committed to play for Duke but decided to remain in the NBA draft after impressing scouts during the pre-draft process. He was ultimately selected as a lottery pick by the Memphis Grizzlies and showcased his talent in his NBA debut, scoring an impressive 14 points without missing a shot in just 22 minutes of play. His remarkable performance included a plus-minus rating of +24, indicating his positive impact on the court.
As Coward embarks on his professional career, one can only speculate on what contributions he might have made at Duke, especially alongside rising star Cameron Boozer, against college competition. His absence raises a significant question mark, creating a sense of missed opportunity for the Blue Devils.
Before reaching this point, Coward had a notable journey through basketball. He began at Division III Willamette University, where he averaged 19.4 points and 12 rebounds in his lone season. He then played for two seasons at Eastern Washington, improving his game further with averages of 15.4 points and 6.7 rebounds. His stint at Washington State saw him averaging 17.7 points per game on 39% shooting from behind the arc before a shoulder injury cut his season short.
While Duke is primed for success this season, the potential addition of Coward certainly would have added an intriguing layer to their roster. Nevertheless, his journey to the NBA is a testament to his hard work and determination, and fans will be closely watching as he carves out his professional career. With so much talent already on the court for Duke, there’s still ample reason for optimism as they aim for another standout season in college basketball.