**BREAKING: Washington State Star Cedric Coward Shocks College Basketball, Commits to Duke—‘I Came Here to Win a National Championship!’**
In a move that has sent shockwaves through the college basketball world, Washington State’s electrifying star guard Cedric Coward has announced his commitment to Duke basketball, choosing the Blue Devils over multiple powerhouse programs in a decision that instantly reshapes the landscape of the sport. The 6’5” dynamic playmaker, known for his explosive scoring, lockdown defense, and clutch performances, revealed his choice in an exclusive interview, making it clear that his mission in Durham is singular and uncompromising: **“I came here to win a national championship.”**
Coward’s commitment marks one of the most surprising transfers of the offseason, as few anticipated the Pac-12 standout would land at Duke after a breakout sophomore year at Washington State. Averaging 18.7 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game while shooting 42% from three-point range, Coward established himself as one of the most complete guards in the nation—a player capable of taking over games with his scoring, playmaking, and defensive intensity. His combination of size, athleticism, and skill made him one of the most coveted players in the transfer portal, with blue-blood programs like Kentucky, Kansas, and North Carolina all vying for his services. Yet, in the end, it was Duke—and the relentless pursuit by head coach Jon Scheyer—that sealed the deal.
For Coward, the decision came down to legacy, development, and the unmatched opportunity to compete for a title. **“Duke is the standard,”** Coward said. **“When you think about college basketball at the highest level, you think about Duke. The history, the coaching, the players they develop—it’s all unmatched. But more than anything, I believe in what Coach Scheyer is building. He’s putting together a team that can dominate, and I want to be a part of that. I didn’t come here just to be good; I came here to hang another banner.”**
The addition of Coward instantly elevates Duke’s 2024-25 roster into championship favorite territory. Pairing him with returning star Tyrese Proctor and incoming five-star freshman Cooper Flagg creates what could be the most lethal perimeter trio in the country. Coward’s ability to play both on and off the ball, attack the rim, and knock down deep threes gives Scheyer the kind of versatile weapon that has defined Duke’s most successful teams. Defensively, his length and tenacity will fit perfectly into Duke’s switch-heavy system, making the Blue Devils a nightmare for opposing offenses.
But beyond the X’s and O’s, Coward’s arrival signals something bigger—a statement that Duke remains the ultimate destination for players who want to win at the highest level. In recent years, the transfer portal and NIL have dramatically altered the college basketball landscape, with players spreading out across programs in pursuit of the best opportunities. Yet, Coward’s choice reinforces Duke’s enduring pull. **“A lot of schools talked about what they could do for me, but Duke talked about what we could do together,”** Coward explained. **“They showed me how I’d fit, how I’d grow, and most importantly, how I’d help them win. That’s all I wanted to hear.”**
The reaction from the college basketball world has been swift and emphatic. Analysts have already pegged Duke as the early favorite to cut down the nets next April, while social media erupted with debates over whether this could be Scheyer’s best team yet. Former Duke stars, including JJ Redick and Jayson Tatum, publicly praised the move, with Tatum tweeting, **“Blue Devils got a DOG. League ready.”** Even rival fans acknowledged the magnitude of the addition, with one Kentucky supporter lamenting, **“We just got Coward’d.”**
For Washington State, the loss is undeniably massive. Coward was the heart and soul of a Cougars team that made a surprise NCAA Tournament run last season, and his departure leaves a gaping hole in their lineup. Yet, for Coward, the chance to chase a championship at Duke was simply too compelling to pass up. **“I’ll always love Wazzu and the fans there,”** he said. **“But when you have a chance to play for a program like Duke, with this kind of talent and coaching, you have to take it. I’m ready to work, ready to compete, and ready to prove that Duke is still the king of college basketball.”**
As the offseason continues, all eyes will now turn to Durham, where Scheyer and his staff have assembled a roster capable of delivering the program’s sixth national title. With Coward’s arrival, the pieces are in place for a historic season—one defined by dominance, determination, and an unrelenting pursuit of greatness. And if Coward has his way, the final chapter of this story will end with confetti falling and a championship trophy raised high. **“I didn’t come to Duke to be a part of something good,”** he reiterated with a smile. **“I came here to be a part of something legendary.”**
For Duke fans, that’s exactly what they wanted to hear. For the rest of college basketball, it’s a warning: The Blue Devils just got scarier—and Cedric Coward is coming for everything.
