From Willamette to the NBA: The Unprecedented Rise of Cedric Coward
Cedric De'Von Coward (born September 11, 2003) is an American professional basketball player for the Memphis Grizzlies of the National Basketball Association (NBA). His journey to the NBA is a testament to his dedication, skill, and unwavering belief in himself. Coward's path is a unique one, starting from Division III basketball and culminating in being a first-round NBA draft pick.
Early Years and Dominance at Willamette University
When Cedric Coward stepped onto the court for Willamette University in the fall of 2021, few would have predicted that he might one day hear his name called in the first round of the NBA Draft. Coward began his college career at Division III Willamette University. Starting from the DIII level and going to the highest level of professional basketball is almost unprecedented. Only 14 DIII players in history have ever been selected in the draft - and just one of those 14 was selected in the first round. But from the start of his career with the Bearcats, Coward proved just how extraordinary he was.
In his first practices, Coward stood out not just for his game but for his presence. “He came to Willamette mature beyond his years,” recalled former Willamette assistant coach Chris Horton. “He was immediately a leader. Most freshmen are timid or uncomfortable in their skin - Cedric was comfortable.”
In the Bearcats’ 2021 season opener against Bushnell University, he registered a double-double: 12 points and 10 rebounds, along with five blocks, four assists, and three steals. He not only made the starting lineup but quickly became one of the team’s most dominant players. In the 2021-22 season, he averaged 19.4 points and 12.0 rebounds per game, started 17 of 26 appearances, and earned Northwest Conference Freshman of the Year and first-team All-NWC honors.
But numbers only told part of the story. Horton, who is now the head coach at Warren Wilson College, said what truly separated Coward was his decision-making and poise. “He was the best decision-maker as an 18-year-old freshman. We’d watch him in practice and notice that he never hit the rim on his finishes, which is a ridiculous thing to say.”
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Coward’s maturity also set him above his peers. “It’s bigger than basketball,” Horton emphasized. “It’s not about how many points you make or your assists. You have to lead, be mature, have a routine, a process - those intangible things that help you reach your full potential. If you learn something from Ced, it’s that. He was willing to be coached, to lose minutes and even be benched early in the season, but he stayed locked in and committed to his team and growth. Most players throw in the towel when adversity strikes - he wasn’t that person.”
Transition to Division I and Growth at Eastern Washington University
Still, no one at Willamette expected his career to unfold as it did. “When you coach at Division III, you’re never thinking about a player moving on to the next level,” Horton admitted. “People tell you all types of things they’re going to do, but when someone actually does it - and does it to this level - it’s incredible.” After his breakout season with Willamette, Coward transferred to Eastern Washington University, stepping up into DI competition. He spent two seasons with the Eagles, gradually building his game. In his first year there, he averaged 7.3 points and 5.6 rebounds; by his second, he was averaging 15.4 points, 6.7 rebounds and 1.7 assists per game.
Move to Washington State and NBA Draft
His improvement earned more attention, and when his coach, David Riley, pivoted to Washington State, Coward soon followed. Coward was drafted 11th overall by the Portland Trail Blazers in the 2025 NBA draft and subsequently traded to the Memphis Grizzlies for Yang Hansen and future draft considerations. On draft night, the Portland Trail Blazers selected Coward 11th overall, but via trade, his rights were sent to the Memphis Grizzlies.
NBA Career with the Memphis Grizzlies
On October 25, 2025, Coward put up 27 points on 6-for-6 shooting from three-point range in a 128-103 win over the Indiana Pacers. On October 25, 2025, Coward put up 27 points on 6-for-6 shooting from three-point range in a 128-103 win over the Indiana Pacers.
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