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Duke Commit Makes Bold NBA Draft Decision on Saturday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Tristan Afshar | Last updated May 24, 2025 1:14 PM ET

Cedric Coward’s college journey was already one of the most unconventional stories in college basketball — and now he’s rewriting the ending.

Despite committing to Duke just weeks ago after entering the transfer portal, Coward announced Saturday that he’s staying in the 2025 NBA Draft.

He never suited up for the Blue Devils, never played a single game in Durham. But in his mind, he’s already taken the next step.

“Even though I am staying in the draft, I picked Duke for a reason,” Coward said. “I feel like I’m halfway in the brotherhood.”

Coward’s decision may raise eyebrows, but for him, it’s been brewing since the NBA Draft Combine.

“This was a difficult decision at first, but after the Combine it became a lot easier with the path I wanted to take,” he said. “This was always the main goal.”

And he made the most of his Combine moment.

The 21-year-old measured an eye-popping 7-foot-2¼ wingspan, posted a 38½-inch vertical leap, and knocked down 71% of his shooting drill attempts — instantly boosting his stock from fringe name to projected first-round pick.

“It didn’t hurt that I did pretty well at the Combine,” Coward admitted with a smile.

NEWS: Cedric Coward is keeping his name in the 2025 NBA draft and will forgo the opportunity to play at Duke next season, he told ESPN.

STORY: https://t.co/0S4EK3HoqK pic.twitter.com/sGqUhJYvGy
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) May 24, 2025

Before his recent rise, Coward’s path was far from typical. He started his career at Division III Willamette University, then climbed to Eastern Washington and finally Washington State — where a shoulder injury cut his year short. That setback, however, didn’t stop his belief.

Now, he’s betting on himself — fully.

Coward says he’s already worked out for multiple NBA teams and is determined to prove that his story is just getting started.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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