Jon Scheyer and the Duke Blue Devils were among the top four college basketball teams in the country during the 2024–25 season. However, their roster is undergoing significant changes this offseason due to departures for the 2025 NBA Draft. Last year’s success was largely driven by NBA-caliber talent, and now that talent is moving on to the professional level. Chief among them is Cooper Flagg, who has declared for the draft and is widely projected to be the No. 1 overall pick. Flagg was the face of the program last season. Another key contributor, Kon Knueppel, has also entered the draft.
But the Blue Devils’ losses don’t stop there. Khaman Maluach, Tyrese Proctor, and Sion James are all expected to be selected in the draft as well. Adding to the departures, Cedric Coward has opted to remain in the draft instead of suiting up for Duke. Coward, a standout transfer from Washington State, was seen as a critical piece in helping fill the void left by Flagg and Knueppel.
“This is the best opportunity for me to achieve part of my dream, which is making the NBA,” Coward explained. “Everything is pointing in the right direction right now to follow that.” During his brief six-game stint at Washington State, he posted impressive averages of 17.7 points, 7 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.7 blocks per game—numbers that suggested he could have been a major asset for Duke in the upcoming season.
Coward also spoke further about his draft aspirations: “I see myself as a draft pick. I’m looking for a team that’s willing to take a chance on me. The feedback has been positive overall. Even if teams aren’t revealing their full intentions, I know I have to keep working. There are only 59 picks. Whether I’m selected first or last, it’s a blessing. The important thing is finding a team that believes in me and gives me the chance to prove myself on the court.”
While Coward’s decision represents a tough blow for Scheyer and the Blue Devils, the talented forward seems on track to realize his NBA dreams.