Meet Cedric Coward, the transfer Duke never got who Grizzlies traded to draft earlier than expected

Cedric Coward's rise to the No. 11 pick in the NBA Draft was improbable, to say the least.

He began his college basketball career at the Division III level, played at three schools and was slated for a fourth.

But then the Memphis Grizzlies traded up to acquire the Portland Trail Blazers' choice, per ESPN's Shams Charania, and took Coward.

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Where did Cedric Coward play college basketball?

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.

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Cedric Coward replaces Desmond Bane

Coward, at 6-foot-6, could be almost a direct replacement for Desmond Bane in Memphis.

The Grizzlies traded Bane to the Magic for four first-round picks and two veterans.

Coward is a strong defender who can shoot the 3-ball, just like Bane.

This is a perfect way for Memphis to fill that opening.

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