Duke's Cedric Coward Sends Strong Message on Jon Scheyer At NBA Draft Combine
After reaching the Final Four of the NCAA Tournament, the Duke Blue Devils saw a wave of player departures this spring. Fortunately for head coach Jon Scheyer, those exits came for all the right reasons.
Four of Duke's five starters are heading to the NBA Draft, led by projected No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg and fellow standout Kon Knueppel. While Flagg is getting most of the national spotlight, Knueppel is widely expected to be a top-10 selection. Teammates Tyrese Proctor and Khaman Maluach are also attracting strong interest from NBA teams.
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Amid this roster turnover, Duke basketball provided an update on a player they had hoped would suit up for them this coming season—Cedric Coward. Though his stay in Durham was always expected to be a one-year stop, his status remains uncertain.
"Cedric Coward on his looming decision to stay in the draft or go to Duke"
Coward, 21, has already logged four seasons of college basketball. He began his career at Willamette University before transferring to Eastern Washington, where he earned First-Team All-Big Sky honors. In his final season with the Eagles, he averaged 15.4 points per game.
He then transferred to Washington State, where he played just six games last season before suffering a season-ending shoulder injury in November. Despite the short stint, Coward was impressive, averaging 17.7 points and seven rebounds per game.
Duke Blue Devils head coach Jon Scheyer.© Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images
At the NBA Draft Combine, Coward spoke about his connection with Coach Scheyer and how involved the Duke staff has been throughout the draft process.
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"Talking to Coach Scheyer and the staff, I communicate pretty much everything with them as I get information,' Coward said. 'They're completely supportive of me focusing on the draft right now because this is my dream. At the moment, I'm 100 percent focused on the draft.'
Asked what it would take for him to stay in the draft, Coward explained:
"At the end of the day, I don't know if there's something specific I need to hear. It'll come down to conversations with my agent and making the best decision with the best information I have.'
When pressed on why Duke was still a consideration if he returns to college for one more season, Coward was quick to praise the program.
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"Tremendously. There's a reason I picked them. I love Coach Scheyer and his staff. I believe they can help me if I were to go there.'
The deadline to withdraw from the NBA Draft and retain NCAA eligibility is May 28.
Related: 4-Star Recruit Makes College Commitment Decision on Monday
Related: Kentucky Guard Makes Life-Changing Announcement After Freshman Season
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