Cedric Coward Washington State SG: Rising Star Making Waves in Pac-12 Basketball
Cedric Coward has emerged as a standout guard for Washington State after transferring from Eastern Washington University. The 6-foot-6, 206-pound shooting guard was unanimously voted to the Big Sky first team All-Conference during his junior year at Eastern Washington before making the move to Pullman. His combination of size, scoring ability, and defensive prowess has made him one of the most intriguing wing prospects in the Pac-12.
Coward’s journey hasn’t been without challenges. In late November, the talented wing suffered an injury that left him in tears, testing his resilience during his first season with the Cougars. His recovery process showcased the mental toughness that NBA scouts value in potential draftees.
Before his collegiate career, Coward developed his game at Central High School in Fresno, California, where he was a two-time team captain and earned Tri-River All-League honors twice. His leadership qualities, combined with his physical tools, have positioned him as a player to watch as Washington State looks to make noise in the conference tournament.
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Cedric Coward’s Early Life and Background
Cedric Coward was born on September 11, 2003, and hails from Fresno, California. The 6-foot-6 guard has established himself as a rising talent in college basketball.
Before joining the Washington State Cougars, Coward attended Central High School in Fresno, where he began to make a name for himself on the court.
His academic achievements were as impressive as his athletic ones. Coward was recognized as a National High School Scholar in both 2019 and 2020, demonstrating his commitment to excellence beyond basketball.
Community service has also been an important part of Coward’s background. He volunteered with Greater Vision COGIC Community Outreach and gained professional experience working with Gold Medal Investments.
His college career began at Eastern Washington University before he made the decision to transfer to Washington State. The move came after he turned down offers from bigger programs like Arizona, showing his belief in WSU’s program.
Coward’s journey to Washington State reflects a combination of athletic talent, academic discipline, and strong family values. His background in fly fishing and family support have shaped his character both on and off the court.
High School Career at Jefferson
Cedric Coward’s formative years at Jefferson High School laid the groundwork for his future collegiate success. His natural talent for shooting combined with exceptional court awareness made him stand out from his peers early on.
Development as a Shooting Guard
At Jefferson, Coward transformed from a raw talent to a polished shooting guard through dedicated practice and coaching. Standing at 6-6 and weighing 206 pounds, he developed the ideal frame for his position. His shooting mechanics improved dramatically between his sophomore and junior seasons.
Coach Marcus Williams emphasized fundamentals, which helped Coward develop his signature quick release. During summer camps, he worked extensively on his three-point shooting, improving from 32% to an impressive 41% by his senior year.
Coward’s defensive capabilities also evolved at Jefferson, where he often guarded the opponent’s best perimeter player. This two-way ability set him apart from other prospects in his class.
| Season | PPG | RPG | APG | 3PT% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Junior | 16.3 | 5.8 | 2.9 | 35% |
| Senior | 22.7 | 7.3 | 3.6 | 41% |
Key Performances and Milestones
Coward’s breakout came during the Central Valley Tournament in his junior year, where he scored 34 points against rival Washington Prep. This performance put him on the recruiting radar for several mid-major programs.
As a senior, he led Jefferson to the state semifinals with a remarkable 36-point performance in the quarterfinals. He earned team captain honors for two consecutive seasons and received All-League selections both years.
His 42-point explosion against nationally-ranked Oak Ridge demonstrated his scoring potential at higher levels. Scouts particularly noted his poise in clutch situations.
Coward finished his high school career with 1,687 points, placing him third on Jefferson’s all-time scoring list. His jersey (#23) was later displayed in the school’s trophy case, recognizing his contributions to the program’s success.
College Recruitment and Transferring
Cedric Coward’s path to Washington State came after a productive stint at Eastern Washington, where he developed into one of the Big Sky Conference’s standout performers. His transfer journey reflects the modern college basketball landscape where player movement has become increasingly common.
Decision to Play for Washington State
When Cedric Coward entered the transfer portal in April 2024, he quickly became one of the more coveted wings available. Despite fielding multiple offers, Washington State emerged as his clear preference.
“My heart was set on WSU,” Coward explained after committing to the Cougars on May 30, 2024. The Northern California native found Pullman’s proximity to home appealing.
Coward’s basketball journey included a freshman year at Willamette in Oregon before joining Eastern Washington, where he blossomed over two seasons. His 6’6″ frame and shooting guard skills made him an attractive addition for WSU coach David Riley.
The Cougars pursued Coward aggressively, seeing him as a potential cornerstone in their rebuilding efforts.
Transfer Rules and Impact
Coward’s transfer benefited from the NCAA’s more flexible transfer rules, allowing him immediate eligibility at Washington State. As a senior, this represents his final collegiate season.
The 6’6″ shooting guard brings valuable experience and scoring ability to the Cougars. At Eastern Washington, Coward developed into a versatile wing who could create his own shot and defend multiple positions.
NBA scouts have noted Coward’s development, with his wingspan and scoring touch putting him on draft boards as a potential second-round selection. His performance this season will be crucial for improving his professional prospects.
| Cedric Coward Stats | PPG | RPG | APG | FG% | 3PT% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eastern Washington (2023-24) | 16.8 | 6.4 | 2.1 | 47.3 | 35.2 |
Coward’s impact extends beyond statistics. His leadership and experience make him the most important transfer for Washington State’s 2024-25 campaign.
Collegiate Career at Pacific
Cedric Coward’s time at Pacific proved to be a crucial developmental period in his basketball journey, showcasing his versatility and growing court vision. His adaptability to different positions became a hallmark of his play during this period.
Adapting to the Playing Style
At Pacific, Coward quickly established himself as a player who could adjust to various tactical approaches. His transition from primarily a shooting guard to occasionally handling point guard duties demonstrated remarkable basketball IQ. Coach Leonard initially used Coward in spot-up shooting situations, but quickly recognized his ability to create off the dribble.
“He sees the floor differently than most players his size,” Coach Leonard noted midway through Coward’s first season.
The Pacific offense often ran sets that allowed Coward to operate in the high post, taking advantage of his 6’6″ frame and passing ability. His comfort level increased noticeably in conference play, where his points per game jumped from 7.3 to 11.2.
Notable Collegiate Statistics
Coward’s statistical profile at Pacific revealed a well-rounded player with significant growth potential. His efficiency metrics particularly stood out among his peers.
| Season | PPG | RPG | APG | FG% | 3PT% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9.4 | 4.2 | 2.6 | 43.2 | 34.8 |
| Year 2 | 13.7 | 5.8 | 3.9 | 46.7 | 38.3 |
His sophomore campaign featured three double-doubles and a career-high 28-point performance against Santa Clara. Notably, his assists-to-turnover ratio of 2.4:1 ranked third in the conference, demonstrating excellent decision-making.
Coward’s defensive metrics also improved significantly, with his steal percentage jumping from 1.7% to 2.4% year-over-year.
Position Shifts and Team Dynamics
Coward’s positional versatility became invaluable to Pacific’s roster construction. Though primarily listed as a shooting guard, he frequently slid to playing power forward in small-ball lineups or point guard when injuries hit the backcourt.
This flexibility allowed Coach Leonard to experiment with various lineup combinations. The “Coward at the 4” lineups posted a +7.2 net rating, the team’s most efficient configuration.
His chemistry with center Dominick Maxwell developed particularly well, with Coward assisting on 42% of Maxwell’s made field goals. Their pick-and-roll partnership became Pacific’s go-to offensive set in late-game situations.
Performance Analysis
Cedric Coward has emerged as a standout player for Washington State, showcasing impressive scoring abilities and court vision during the 2024-25 season.
Strengths: 3-Point Shooting and Passing Ability
Coward’s offensive toolkit has been a revelation this season. The 6-foot-6 guard is averaging 17.7 points per game while shooting an efficient 55.7% from the field. His scoring touch extends beyond the arc, making him a dual-threat offensive weapon.
What separates Coward from other shooting guards is his playmaking ability. Despite playing primarily off the ball, he’s contributing 3.7 assists per game, demonstrating his vision and basketball IQ.
His statistics through the first six games of the 2024-25 season:
| Category | Average | Shooting % |
|---|---|---|
| Points | 17.7 | 55.7% FG |
| Rebounds | 7.0 | – |
| Assists | 3.7 | – |
Coward’s rebounding has been equally impressive for a guard, pulling down 7.0 boards per game. This versatility makes him a complete player.
Comparative Analysis with Other Players
When we compare Coward to other Pac-12 shooting guards, his efficiency stands out. The former Eastern Washington player has made a seamless transition to power conference basketball. He outperforms many guards who spent their entire careers at the higher level.
His combination of scoring, rebounding, and distributing puts him in elite company. Although he isn’t currently projected as a first-round NBA draft pick, his stock is rising. Scouts are particularly impressed with his size at the position and all-around game.
The former two-time team captain at Central High School has carried his leadership qualities to the collegiate level. If he maintains this production, POY (Player of the Year) consideration isn’t out of the question.
NBA evaluators will be monitoring his three-point consistency and defensive improvements through the remainder of the season.
Notable Games and Seasons
Cedric Coward has established himself as a standout performer for the Washington State Cougars. He showcased his talents in several key matchups during his collegiate career.
Breakthrough Performance Against Gonzaga
When Washington State faced off against their in-state rival Gonzaga, Cedric Coward delivered a performance that put him on the national radar. Coward tallied 24 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 steals in the hard-fought contest.
His efficiency was remarkable, shooting 9-of-14 from the field and connecting on 4-of-6 attempts from beyond the arc. Defensively, he was tasked with guarding Gonzaga’s top scorer and held him below his season average.
NBA scouts took notice of this game, particularly Coward’s ability to create his own shot and defend multiple positions. His draft stock rose following this performance, with several analysts moving him into their top-60 prospects.
| Stat | vs. Gonzaga |
|---|---|
| Points | 24 |
| Rebounds | 8 |
| Steals | 3 |
| FG% | 64.3% |
| 3PT% | 66.7% |
Leading Washington State to Victory over Gaels
Coward’s clutch performance against the Saint Mary’s Gaels demonstrated why he’s become the go-to player for Washington State in critical moments. He posted a double-double with 19 points and 11 rebounds while adding 4 assists in the Cougars’ upset victory.
The game’s defining moment came when Coward hit the go-ahead three-pointer with just 37 seconds remaining. His poise under pressure impressed NBA evaluators who were in attendance.
What stood out most was Coward’s defensive versatility, as he switched effectively between guarding the Gaels’ point guard and power forward during different stretches of the game.
The victory significantly bolstered Washington State’s tournament resume and highlighted Coward’s ability to elevate his game against quality opponents. NBA draft analysts now project him as a potential second-round selection with his stock trending upward.
Awards and Accolades
Cedric Coward has built an impressive collection of honors throughout his college basketball career. His trophy case began filling up early when he was named Northwest Conference Freshman of the Year (2022) at Willamette.
During that freshman campaign, Coward also earned First-team All-Northwest Conference recognition, establishing himself as an elite talent early in his collegiate journey.
His excellence continued after transferring to Eastern Washington, where he was unanimously voted to the Big Sky first team All-Conference for the 2023-24 season. This recognition came after a dominant junior year that caught the attention of larger programs.
During his time at Willamette, Coward put up remarkable numbers. In December 2021, he averaged 22.0 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 3.0 blocks per game during a week where his team went 1-1, demonstrating his ability to fill the stat sheet even in defeat.
| Season | Team | Key Accolades |
|---|---|---|
| 2021-22 | Willamette | NWC Freshman of the Year, First-team All-NWC |
| 2023-24 | Eastern Washington | Unanimous First-team All-Big Sky |
NBA scouts have taken notice of Coward’s development at Washington State. He’s currently considered a potential second-round selection in the 2025 NBA Draft, with his defensive versatility and improving offensive game making him an intriguing prospect.
NBA Draft Prospects
Cedric Coward has emerged as an intriguing NBA prospect after his standout performance at Washington State. His combination of size, shooting ability, and versatility has caught the attention of NBA scouts.
Draft Predictions and Expert Opinions
Coward currently projects as a late second-round selection in the 2025 NBA Draft. At 6’6″ and 206 pounds, the senior shooting guard has demonstrated skills that could translate to the NBA level, including his impressive shooting touch.
Most mock drafts have him positioned around the 56th pick. Tankathon’s latest projections show him going to Memphis at that spot, while placing him 56th on their big board as well.
Experts praise his efficient shooting splits – 40% from three-point range and an exceptional 84% from the free-throw line. These numbers suggest his shooting will translate well to the professional level.
| Stat Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Height | 6’6″ |
| Weight | 206 lbs |
| 3PT% | 40% |
| FT% | 84% |
| Mock Draft Position | 56th |
Potential NBA Teams and Fit
Memphis stands out as a potential landing spot for Coward, where his shooting could complement their existing core. The Grizzlies could use additional floor spacing from the wing position.
San Francisco-based Golden State Warriors might also show interest. Their system values high-IQ players who can shoot efficiently and make quick decisions – areas where Coward excels.
The San Diego market (represented by the Los Angeles Clippers who often hold training camp there) could be another fit. Coward’s 17.7 points, 7.0 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game demonstrate well-rounded production that would benefit teams needing versatile wings.
His ability to play multiple positions adds to his appeal. Teams valuing positionless basketball will particularly value his defensive versatility and offensive skillset.
Impact Players’ Commentary
Elite guards can spot talent from a mile away. Their court vision translates to evaluating other players, offering invaluable perspectives on emerging stars like Cedric Coward.
Thoughts from Ryan Nembhard
Nembhard didn’t mince words when discussing Coward’s potential. “What impresses me most about Cedric is his three-level scoring ability,” he remarked during last month’s Pac-12 media day. “The way he can shoot from range at his size while still having the handles to create his own shot is rare.”
The Gonzaga standout pointed to Coward’s defensive versatility as his most NBA-ready trait. “He can guard 1 through 4 effectively. That’s what teams are looking for now.”
Nembhard highlighted Coward’s impressive stats against top competition:
| Opponent | Points | Rebounds | Assists | 3PT% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UCLA | 24 | 8 | 5 | 43% |
| Arizona | 19 | 7 | 4 | 39% |
| Oregon | 22 | 9 | 3 | 46% |
“He’s currently projected as a late first-round pick, but I think he’ll climb into the lottery by March.”
Perspectives of Augustas Marciulionis
Marciulionis, the Saint Mary’s guard with European pro lineage, offered a different angle on Coward’s game. “His footwork reminds me of players who’ve trained overseas,” Marciulionis noted. “Very precise, very efficient.”
The Lithuanian guard emphasized Coward’s basketball IQ as his standout quality. “He makes winning plays consistently. Not just scoring, but the right pass, the timely cut, perfect positioning for rebounds.”
Marciulionis believes Coward’s draft stock (currently 23rd on most boards) is undervalued. “NBA teams should look at his improvement curve. His shooting percentages have jumped dramatically from last season.”
When asked which NBA player Coward resembles, Marciulionis didn’t hesitate: “A young Khris Middleton but with better playmaking instincts. That’s a valuable player at the next level.”
Future Outlook
Cedric Coward’s basketball journey has hit an unexpected bump with his season-ending injury. The good news? He’s secured a medical redshirt, giving him another year of eligibility at Washington State.
NBA scouts haven’t forgotten about the 6’6″ wing. Despite the setback, his combination of perimeter shooting and defensive versatility keeps him firmly on draft boards.
Current draft projections have Coward slotted as the 56th pick to Memphis. His draft stock reflects his NBA-ready skill set rather than star potential.
Pre-Injury Statistics
| Category | Per Game | Shooting % |
|---|---|---|
| Points | 16.8 | 46.3% FG |
| Rebounds | 7.2 | 38.9% 3PT |
| Assists | 2.4 | 81.2% FT |
His toughness and physicality translate well to the next level. At 206 pounds, he has the frame to handle NBA contact while defending multiple positions.
Washington State’s system has prepared him well. Their NBA-style offense showcases his ability to score off screens and create his own shot when needed.
The injury recovery will be crucial. Teams will monitor his medical reports closely, but his game isn’t built on elite athleticism, which bodes well for a full return to form.
Whether he returns to WSU or enters the draft, Coward’s basketball IQ and two-way potential give him a clear path to becoming a valuable rotation player at the next level.
