Remember the name Cedric Coward.
The Memphis Grizzlies might have just gotten one of the best players in the 2025 NBA Draft at the No. 11 overall pick.
There's a reason Coward isn't well-known, but that could change soon. He's caught the eyes of the Grizzlies already at training camp.
“I think he’s kind of exceeded my expectations,” point guard Scotty Pippen Jr. told The Memphis Commercial Appeal. “I never really saw any of his (college) highlights, but I’ve played and I’ve been around top picks. I feel like he’s been one of the better ones I’ve ever seen.”
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Coward began his college basketball career at Division III Willamette University. He averaged 19.4 points and 12.0 rebounds per game in his only season there.
From there, he played two seasons for Eastern Washington. In his second season, he averaged 15.4-6.7.
Then it was on to Washington State. He was averaging 17.7 points per game on 39% 3-point shooting before a shoulder injury ended his season.
He planned to transfer to Duke for 2025-26, but then he rose so high up draft boards he never made it.
That's a pretty impressive reality, really. A commitment to Duke for a guy who started his college career as a D-III hooper had to feel like a dream come true. And then to be so ready for the pros that you could forego Duke and head straight to the league?
Look out, because Coward has arrived and certainly has no fear.
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