Duke basketball has made its first potential offseason addition, as Washington State transfer Cedric Coward announced Monday night that he’ll join the Blue Devils — if he decides to return to college rather than enter the NBA.
Coward, who has declared for the NBA Draft but preserved his college eligibility, shared his commitment via Instagram:
“I’m excited to be joining the Duke family. Thank you to Coach Jon Scheyer and the entire staff for believing in me. I truly believe God has led me to Duke, just as He has led Duke to me.”
The 6-foot-6 guard had narrowed his transfer options to Duke and Alabama before visiting Duke’s campus on Monday. He plans to go through the NBA Draft evaluation process and has until May 28 to withdraw his name and maintain NCAA eligibility. The final NBA deadline to withdraw from draft consideration is June 15.
Despite playing in just six games last season due to a rotator cuff injury, Coward averaged 17.7 points, 7 rebounds, and shot 55.7% from the field, including 40% from three-point range. If he returns to college, he could fill a major hole left by the departure of Sion James, a 6-6 starting guard from Duke’s Final Four team.
The Blue Devils are undergoing a significant roster overhaul following their 35-4 season. All five starters are departing, including freshmen Cooper Flagg, Khaman Maluach, and Kon Knueppel, who declared for the NBA Draft, along with junior guard Tyrese Proctor turning pro.
Duke will return 6-5 junior guard Caleb Foster and two 6-6 sophomores, Isaiah Evans and Darren Harris. The incoming freshman class features top talent including 6-9 forward Cameron Boozer, 6-11 big man Nik Khamenia, and 6-4 guard Cayden Boozer, Cameron’s twin brother.
