Cedric Coward Frame: 6’6", 213 lbs Position: Guard/Wing Team: Washington State 2025 Draft Age: 21 Stats via:Sports-Reference​

Offense Coward offers a highly intriguing offensive blend, combining impressive shooting, developing secondary playmaking, and the ability to exploit mismatches. He averaged 18 points per game on stellar efficiency (56 percent from the field, 40 percent from three, and 84 percent from the line) during his brief 2024-25 season. With an NBA-ready frame and expansive 7’2" wingspan, Coward's jumper mechanics are compact, repeatable, and smooth. His high release allows him to comfortably shoot over closing defenders, converting 40.6 percent on catch-and-shoot triples during his Division I career. Coward thrives off screens and dribble-handoffs, effectively utilizing footwork to maintain balance and rhythm for both stationary spot-ups and movement shots. As a handler and decision-maker, Coward remains somewhat raw but promising. While his handle can appear loose due to his long limbs, he demonstrates craftiness by "slithering" into driving lanes and creatively finishing around the rim. His footwork is steadily improving, allowing him to pivot and find angles effectively once he penetrates defenses. Though currently prone to picking up his dribble prematurely, continued physical maturation and tightened ball control could unlock substantial upside as a driver and secondary creator. Coward also exhibits intriguing playmaking instincts, frequently making sharp cross-court kickouts and high-level entry passes. He shows excellent vision and timing, particularly on quick decision-making sequences in transition or secondary actions. He doesn’t project as a primary ball-handler at the next level but has clear value as a connective passer and initiator of inverted actions, utilizing his size advantage against smaller defenders. Defensively Coward’s defensive versatility significantly enhances his NBA appeal. With quick feet, fluid hips, and exceptional length, he comfortably guards multiple positions, switching across perimeter assignments and holding his own against bigger wings and smaller forwards. Coward effectively utilizes his wingspan to disrupt passing lanes and challenge shooters, evidenced by his impressive 3.7 percent block rate and 1.8 percent steal rate. His off-ball defensive activity is notable, with high-energy rotations, well-timed closeouts, and consistent weak-side rim protection. On the ball, Coward leverages his length effectively to deflect passes and bother dribblers. However, his lateral quickness, while solid, is not elite. Faster perimeter players occasionally exploit his stance, attacking his top foot and gaining penetration. Strengthening his base and refining his defensive footwork will be critical in mitigating these vulnerabilities at the NBA level. Coward also demonstrates excellent instincts as a chase defender. He consistently navigates through off-ball screens, staying attached to shooters and using his length to effectively contest jumpers. His ability to alter perimeter shots (including blocking several three-point attempts) adds significant defensive value in today's perimeter-oriented NBA. Looking Ahead Teams drafting late in the first round should have Coward circled as a high-upside, two-way prospect. His combination of NBA-level athleticism, versatile shooting, and defensive versatility makes him an ideal fit in modern, switch-heavy defensive schemes and motion-based offenses. While recovering from a shoulder injury has limited recent sample size, Coward’s trajectory, from Division III standout to legitimate NBA prospect, underscores substantial untapped potential. Should his ball-handling and physical strength continue to improve, Coward could evolve into a high-impact complementary player, reminiscent of versatile wings like Jerami Grant or Mikal Bridges, who thrive as defensive cogs and reliable offensive connectors.