Duke gets unexpected awful news at NBA Draft Combine after Cooper Flagg departure

The Duke Blue Devils thought they had picked up a key replacement for Cooper Flagg and company.

Instead, Jon Scheyer's 2025-26 roster looks like it'll be a little bit thinner.

Washington State's Cedric Coward committed in late April to transfer and play for Duke.

The problem? Coward is going off right now at the NBA Draft Combine.

The 6-foot-6 wing with a 7-foot-2 wingspan is showing off an impressive shooting stroke.

And while Coward has been noncommittal in comments to the media, basically saying he's focused on the draft while he's in the draft but nothing more, those in the know seem to think he's staying in this class.

"Sounding increasingly unlikely he'll step foot on campus in Durham," ESPN's Jonathan Givony wrote on X.

MORE: Bronny James gets amazing news on NBA future

Coward recently expressed gratitude for Duke's help during this process despite the fact that he's never suited up for the Blue Devils yet.

It seems like Coward would likely have to feel locked into the first round to leave for the league. Otherwise, NIL money can be a great equalizer.

But evidently, Coward has shone bright enough to have NBA teams looking at him much higher than anyone would've initially thought.

It's great news for the young man, but not great news for Duke.

MORE: LeBron predicted to make surprise contract decision