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Cedric Coward Drafted 11th by Memphis Grizzlies After Trade Up

His journey from DIII Willamette to Washington State culminates in his selection after a standout combine showcase.

Jun 25, 2025; Brooklyn, NY, USA;  Khaman Maluach stands with NBA commissioner Adam Silver after being selected as the tenth pick by the Houston Rockets in the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
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FILE PHOTO" Jun 22, 2025; College Park, Georgia, USA; Charlotte Hornets center Mark Williams (5) watches a game between the Atlanta Dream and Chicago Sky in the second quarter at Gateway Center Arena at College Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images/File Photo
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Overview

  • He averaged 19.5 points, 12 rebounds and 3.8 assists as a freshman at Willamette University and earned Northwest Conference freshman of the year honors.
  • He transferred to Eastern Washington, where his junior season produced 15.4 points per game on 56.5 percent shooting and an All-Big Sky first-team nod.
  • A shoulder injury ended his senior year at Washington State after six games, but he still posted a 17.7-point scoring average with strong efficiency.
  • A standout performance at the NBA Draft Combine and pre-draft workouts prompted him to skip a planned transfer to Duke and declare for the draft.
  • The Memphis Grizzlies traded up to secure him with the No. 11 pick, capping his rise from an unranked high school recruit to a first-round prospect.