NCAA Basketball Recruiting: Analyzing top 5 teams for Washington State transfer Cedric Coward

Nov 21, 2024; Spokane, Washington, USA; Washington State Cougars guard Cedric Coward (0) makes an easy lay up against the Eastern Washington Eagles in the first half at Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-Imagn Images
Nov 21, 2024; Spokane, Washington, USA; Washington State Cougars guard Cedric Coward (0) makes an easy lay up against the Eastern Washington Eagles in the first half at Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-Imagn Images | James Snook-Imagn Images

A year ago, Cedric Coward followed head coach David Riley from Eastern Washington in the transfer portal. The 6’6 wing had a strong start to the 2024-25 campaign, leading the team with 17.7 ppg and 7.0 rpg in six games, shooting 40% from deep. Unfortunately, a season-ending shoulder injury ended his year.

With one year of eligibility left, Coward can return to NCAA Basketball one last time if he returns from the NBA Draft process. And there are some quality big names in the mix to land him. Here’s a look at how the senior wing fits each option.

Alabama Crimson Tide

The Tide have lost plenty of guards and wings this offseason, including Chris Youngblood, Labaron Philon, and Derrion Reid. The team still has both Latrell Wrightsell and Houston Mallette returning from injury, along with the addition of former 5-star prospect Jalil Bethea. The offensive system could be perfect for Coward, but it’s also a risk regarding the depth chart. 

Duke Blue Devils

Duke hasn’t landed any transfers, but they want veterans for depth purposes. This is the option where Coward could be part of a rotation on a team that’s a Final Four contender. But with 5-star freshmen forwards Nicolas Khamenia and Shelton Henderson on board, it’s a definite risk unless someone like Isaiah Evans departs.

Florida Gators

The reigning national champions have lost all three starting guards, with Walter Clayton Jr., Will Richard, and Alijah Martin moving on. To this point, the team hasn’t landed a perimeter transfer, and with Thomas Haugh entering the NBA Draft process, they need a proven veteran starter at the 3-spot who could be a focal point. Coward would have a big role if he picked this option.

Kansas Jayhawks

The Jayhawks have landed a couple of 6’6 guards and wings in the portal in Tre White and Jayden Dawson, who figure to get large roles. Coward could certainly be part of the mix on the wings to give them a legit shooter since White can play some at the four-spot. But if Kansas lands another big guard (reportedly in the mix to get St. Bonaventure transfer Melvin Council), they may be out of the running.

Washington Huskies

As a native of Fresno, California, Washington would be Coward's option if he wanted to stay out west. The Huskies have already landed SoCon POY guard Quimari Peterson, along with former USC guard Wesley Yates. There’s still room at the three-spot for Coward to slide in, and he’d get to stay in the state and not have to move at all. However, after finishing last in the Big Ten this past season, will Washington have a good enough case for Coward compared to these blue-blood contenders?