PULLMAN, Wash. — Washington State guard Cedric Coward has entered the NCAA transfer portal and declared for the 2025 NBA Draft while maintaining his college eligibility, for now. This news was confirmed by Jeff Goodman of the Field of 68.

The 6-foot-6 senior played just six games in a WSU uniform before sustaining a season-ending shoulder injury during a practice in late November. Though he only played six games, Coward appeared to be one of the most talented players on David Riley’s squad.

In his six appearances, Coward averaged 17.7 points, 7.0 rebounds and 3.7 assists, while shooting 55.7% from the field and 40% from 3-point range. He had a season high of 30 points in WSU’s second game of the season and nearly recorded a triple-double against his former team, Eastern Washington, putting up 22 points, nine rebounds and seven assists in what would be his last game in a Cougar uniform. With Coward leading the charge, Wazzu jumped out to a 5-1 start.

Coward played two standout seasons at Eastern Washington with coach Riley in 2022 and 2023. He began his career at Division III Willamette, and will now test the NBA Draft waters for the second straight year.

Testing the NBA Draft waters allows Coward to work out with NBA teams this offseason, receive feedback from scouts and potentially showcase his skills in the NBA G League Elite Camp or the NBA Draft Combine.

To return to college, he must withdraw his name from the draft pool by June 15 at 2 p.m. Pacific time.

Coward played 66 games for the Eagles in his two seasons, compiling 743 points, 404 rebounds, 115 assists, 59 steals and 51 blocks.

He was a unanimous selection to the All-Big Sky first team, shooting 56.5% from the field in 2023–24, 38.3% from 3-point range and 89.5% from the free-throw line.

Coward is now the fifth Cougar this offseason to enter the transfer portal, joining LeJuan Watts, Isaiah Watts, Nate Calmese and Marcus Wilson. WSU will now be tasked with replacing its entire starting lineup for the second straight year, as seniors Ethan Price and Dane Erikstrup are set to graduate.