The DIII realization that set Cedric Coward on a fantastical 2025 NBA Draft path

The Division I vision, let alone the NBA dream, had slightly faded in Cedric Coward’s mind when he headed to Willamette University — a Division III program — out of high school. 

It wasn’t the first step he envisioned for himself at all. 

However, as Coward, a 6-foot-6 wing, sat in front of the media this week as an expected pick in the first round of the draft Wednesday night at Barclays Center, he was right where he dreamt of being. 

“This is what I fully expected…” Coward said. “You have to have a confidence in yourself that’s kind of a bit crazy in a way.” 

The Fresno, Calif., native admitted he “wasn’t that good” and needed to spend his freshman year at Willamette, a small liberal arts school in Oregon, because he hadn’t put in the work required to play at a higher level. 

But soon, without the distractions at home and while realizing his potential, Coward honed in on his game and developed the work ethic he realized he was lacking.

He averaged 19.4 points and 12 rebounds a game and was named the Northwest Conference freshman of the year, which led him to Division I and Eastern Washington University for his sophomore and junior years. 

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“Me and my dad have this quote ever since I left for college: ‘Play for where you want to go and not for where you are,’” he said. “And this is a lesson also for young kids just like me that probably didn’t get to where they wanted right out of high school. If you aim for your goal and you keep that same faith and belief in yourself, even if it looks super super far away, it’s actually closer than you think.” 

It was at Eastern Washington that the NBA became more realistic. During his sophomore year, Coward was getting looks from scouts who were coming to watch others, but he was still getting compliments from them. 

By junior year, when Coward, as he described, became the “stereotype main guy,” the scouts were there for him as he averaged 15.4 points per game on 56 percent shooting. 

“When you have that, it’s a good feeling and it also gives you confidence,” he said. “Since I’m getting these looks, I might as well make the most of it.” 

Coward went to Washington State for his senior season, yet it was cut short — to just six games — after he suffered a season-ending shoulder injury and underwent surgery. He entered the transfer portal and committed to Duke, but then opted for the NBA. 

Coward has practiced with several teams, including the Nets, who had five first-round picks, including the No. 8 pick.