How one recruit went from zero D1 college offers out of high school, to a D3 basketball double-double machine, to a first-round 2025 NBA Draft prospect.

This is the story of Cedric Coward.

The Unheralded Recruit

Cedric Coward grew up in Fresno, California where he attended Central High School. As a kid, football had always been his first love, but when he got to Central, he decided to make a switch to go all-in with basketball.

When he stepped on campus as a freshman, Cedric was an undersized 5’9”. By the time he graduated, he was a two-time Tri River All-League selection and had grown 7 inches.

On the basketball court, he steadily progressed every year ⬇️

FR: 5'9”, played on the Freshman team
SO: 6’2”, played on the JV team
JR: 6’3”, moved up to Varsity and named Best Offensive Player
SR: 6’4”, Varsity Captain, Voted team MVP & Central HS Athlete of the Year

Off the court he was a standout as well, volunteering extensively in his community and making High Academic Honor Roll for four years in a row from 2017-2021.1

But despite all of that, Cedric Coward was not a highly recruited athlete.

While he’d played some travel ball with a team called 24/7 Select, he chalked up his lack of D1 basketball offers to a simple truth:

“I thought I was good enough to get calls, but I wasn’t putting in the offseason work like I should have been - that I am doing now.”2

However, there was one small NCAA Division III (D3) school in the Pacific Northwest that took notice of Cedric’s highlight tape and gave him a chance: Willamette University.

*Photo by Kendrick Arakaki/Willamette University*

Year 1: Willamette University (D3)

Before he made his way up to Salem, Oregon to begin his NCAA D3 college basketball journey at Willamette, Cedric’s Dad gave him a simple message:

“Play for where you want to go, not where you’re at.”3

During the 2021–22 NCAA D3 basketball season, Cedric did just that, emerging as a standout player.

He averaged 19.5 points (shooting 60% from the field and 45% from 3) to go with 12 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game.

While the Bearcats struggled to an overall record of 6–18, Coward's performances throughout the season showcased his immense potential.

He recorded a Willamette Bearcats season record 67 blocks on the year, notched 15 straight double-doubles and was named Rookie of the Year and 1st Team All-Conference in the Northwest Conference.

And those D1 schools that had initially ignored the kid from Fresno began to take notice.

Year 2 & 3: Eastern Washington University (D1)

Seeking a greater challenge and further opportunity to develop, Coward transferred to Eastern Washington University (D1).

In his first season, he averaged 7.3 points and 5.6 rebounds per game as he adjusted to the speed of the NCAA Division 1 level. Once he got his footing during his junior year he really made a jump, averaging 15.4 points and 6.7 rebounds per game, and growing into his team’s best player.

The work earned him unanimous First-Team All-Big Sky Conference honors in 2024. His season also caught the attention of NBA scouts. However, he decided to continue his collegiate career and further hone his skills - this time at a new school.

Year 4: Washington State University (D1)

When Eastern Washington's head coach, David Riley, accepted the head coaching position at Washington State University, Coward chose to follow him.

Unfortunately, his season was cut short due to a shoulder injury after just six games. However, he made a strong impression in that time, leading the team with 17.7 points and 7.0 rebounds per game.

Despite the disappointing end, Cedric kept a positive mindset on the season and where he could still go with his career.

“When I got hurt, that didn’t mean stop putting in the work…it meant do something else. For me that meant extra film, extra time in the weight room, definitely taking care of my body more…and trying to help my teammates in as many ways as possible.”4

After the season closed, Coward entered the transfer portal and received interest from several top programs, including Duke, Alabama, Florida, Kansas, and Washington. When the dust from the transfer portal settled, he committed to Duke University while also entering his name in the 2025 NBA Draft.

Cedric’s NBA Draft Decision

Cedric Coward ultimately decided to forgo his remaining college eligibility and declare for the 2025 NBA Draft in May.

At the NBA Draft Combine, Coward measured 6'5¼" barefoot with a 7'2¼" wingspan, impressing scouts with his physical attributes and shooting ability. His performances so far have positioned him as a Day 1 NBA Draft selection, “with some projections placing the 21-year-old in the top 10, and others slotting the former Cougars' star in the late first round.”5

Cedric is a classic 3&D player, which means he can lock down opposing defenders (like he did back in his D3 Basketball days) while also shooting the ball extremely well.

Three-Level Scoring: He excels in scoring from various areas on the court, including driving to the basket, mid-range shots, and three-pointers.
Defensive Prowess: His length and agility make him a formidable defender, capable of guarding multiple positions.

Cedric Coward: From D3 to Pro

Coward's journey from D3 to Pro illustrates that initial setbacks do not define an athlete's potential - and that there is nothing a D3 athlete can’t do!

Through dedication, self-reflection, and seizing the right opportunities, Cedric transformed himself from an overlooked 5’9” high school basketball player to a promising NBA draft prospect.

Best of luck, Cedric!

From D3 to NBA Draft Boards: Cedric Coward