Cedric Coward career timeline: How NBA Draft prospect went from DIII Williamette to potential first-round pick

Being an unheralded recruiting prospect isn't necessarily a death sentence. Many an NBA player has overcome the odds to become a positive contributor at the next level.

Steve Nash, CJ McCollum, and Jalen Williams all made notable impacts for their sides despite failing to receive the glitz and glamor of some of their draft counterparts.

The 2025 NBA Draft should present additional players with that opportunity. Few players look as well-equipped to handle the rigors of an NBA season as Washington State wing Cedric Coward.

Coward has taken a long path to reach NBA riches. He's now on the cusp of professional status, all while potentially emerging as one of this year's best value picks.

With that, here's what you need to know about Coward's career up to this point.

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Cedric Coward career timeline

A Fresno, Calif. native, Coward starred at Central. His recruitment process was scuppered during the Covid-19 pandemic, leading to less exposure. According to 247Sports, Coward was unranked despite averaging 17.1 points and 4.3 rebounds per game as a senior.

Bereft of options, Coward opted to take his talents to Division III program Willamette in Salem, Ore.

Willamette (2021-22)

Coward erupted in his only season with the Bearcats, averaging 19.5 points, 12.0 rebounds, and 3.8 assists.

Willamette limped to a 6-18 record in 2021-22, but Coward shined, particularly during a clash with Division I side Portland. The then-teenager scored 24 points against the Pilots. Portland had coach Shantay Legans was impressed, so much so that Legans rang up Eastern Washington boss David Riley to inquire about Coward's availability.

Riley took the bait, securing Coward's signature. The Eagles reportedly didn't fend off much competition, either.

Eastern Washington (2022-24)

Coward logged heavy minutes in his first season at Eastern Washington, averaging 7.3 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.8 assists on 68.3 percent shooting from the field and 39.4 percent shooting from beyond the arc.

Those figures swelled markedly in his next — and final — season with the Eagles. Coward started all 32 games as a junior, tallying 15.4 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 1.7 assists on 56.5/38.3/89.5 shooting splits. He was the Big Sky's best performer in terms of effective field goal percentage. Unsurprisingly, he was named to the all-conference first team following his standout campaign.

Coward would get another crack at the transfer portal ahead of his senior season after Riley walked away from the Eagles. Coward would soon reunite with his longtime coach at Washington State.

Washington State (2024-25)

Coward's final season in the college game was his most productive. The 6-6 sharpshooter brought his scoring to a 17.7 ppg clip while retaining impressive efficiency.

However, he only played in six games before going down with a shoulder injury.

The Cougars fell short of tournament qualification. Nevertheless, his gravity as shooter, both on and off-the-dribble, figures to make him a real asset in the league.

Coward committed to transfer to Duke, but a dazzling showcase at the Draft Combine changed his plans.

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Cedric Coward career stats

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