Having not lost a player to the transfer portal this offseason, Duke basketball made its first possible acquisition Monday night.
Cedric Coward, a former Washington State guard who entered his name in the NBA Draft, said he’ll play for Duke if he chooses to stay in college for another season. Coward made his announcement on his Instagram page.
I’m excited to be joining the Duke family,” Coward said in the social media post. “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.”
6-6 guard, Coward had narrowed his transfer choices to Duke and Alabama. He visited Duke’s campus Monday. He said he plans to keep his name in the draft and go through the scouting process. He has until May 28 to remove his name and join the Blue Devils for next season. That’s the NCAA deadline to withdraw from the draft and retain eligibility. The NBA also has a June 15 deadline for players to remove their name from draft consideration.
Limited to six games last season due to a rotator cuff injury, Coward averaged 17.7 points and seven rebounds per game for Washington State while making 40% of his 3-pointers and 55.7% of his shots overall.
He would help fill the role vacated when Sion James, a 6-6 starting guard on Duke’s Final Four team, completed his NCAA eligibility.
The Blue Devils are looking to replace their entire starting five from last season’s 35-4 team after freshmen Cooper Flagg, Khaman Maluach and Kon Knueppel entered their names in the NBA Draft. Junior guard Tyrese Proctor is also turning professional.
Duke returns 6-5 guard Caleb Foster for his junior season as well as a pair of 6-6 guards, Isaiah Evans and Darren Harris, for their sophomore seasons. The incoming freshman class includes 6-9 forward Cameron Boozer, 6-11 power forward Nik Khamenia and 6-4 guard Cayden Boozer, Cameron’s twin brother.
