Not all players’ passes to the NBA are the same. That certainly applies to Cedric Coward in Washington. He began his college career in Division III and could become a lottery pick this month.
Coward began his career at Willamette University in Salem, Oregon. His talent level is far superior to Division III, and the cowards have been moved to eastern Washington. He played two seasons at the Big Sky Conference before transferring to Washington State in 2024-25. Coward has a combination of explosive drafts and quickly became a team of players who wanted to be drafted. His rise from Division III to the NBA is incredible.
Cedric Coward could become a lottery in a few weeks
From D3 Hoops to NBA Draft Boards
How an unknown D3 athlete landed an offer on Duke, becoming the first round of 2025 NBA draft pick
Cedric Coward’s unlikely journey pic.twitter.com/vousezqws9
– d3direct (@d3direct) June 5th, 2025
In 2024-25, forward Cedric Coward played only six games for Washington State. He missed the majority of the season with lips partially torn to his shoulders. The 21-year-old originally committed to Duke to play for the 2025-26 season. However, ward sick people tested very well at the 2025 NBA Draft Combine. He chooses to abandon his chance to play for Duke and will hold his name in the 2025 draft.
Coward suffered a season-ending injury last year in six games for Washington State. He averaged 17.7 points, 7.0 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.7 blocks per game. Cedric Coward has a unique outlook for entering the 2025 draft. At Six-February 6, he is an incredibly athletic player with a 7-foot-2 wingspan. The senior is a talented shooter and has an incredible outlook for all-rounders.
After starting his college career in Division III, Cedric Coward could be his first round pick in 2025. It could have been drafted as a lottery pick in the top 14. He’s a little small, but his athleticism and skills make up for it. Cedric Coward is a talented, two-way prospect heading into the 2025 NBA Draft. How high will the former Division III player be drafted on June 25th?