Cedric Coward, a former Washington State standout, has been selected to the NBA's 2025-26 All-Rookie First Team, a testament to a debut season that exceeded many expectations.
The Memphis Grizzlies drafted Coward with the 11th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, a move that paid immediate dividends as he posted averages of 13.6 points, 5.9 rebounds and 2.8 assists while shooting efficiently at .471 from the field and .843 from the free‑throw line.
His impact was reflected in the league’s rookie rankings, where he finished fifth in the Rookie of the Year voting and placed among the top six in both scoring and rebounding among qualified newcomers.
Coward’s consistency shone through as he recorded 49 games with double‑digit points and eight outings of at least 20 points, highlighted by a 28‑point, 16‑rebound performance against Philadelphia that set personal career highs.
Beyond the numbers, his journey includes overcoming a left shoulder injury that curtailed his senior season at Washington State, a setback that made his eventual rise all the more compelling.
A path forged by perseverance
After a pandemic‑era recruitment scramble, Coward landed at Division‑III Willamette University in Oregon, where Coach David Riley first noticed his talent while the team was still celebrating a freshman‑of‑the‑year award.
Under Riley’s guidance, Coward blossomed, posting a triple‑double as a sophomore and earning unanimous All‑Big Sky First Team honors by his junior year, a trajectory that eventually led to his selection by the Memphis franchise.
His college résumé includes a stint on the Western Collegiate Conference All‑Preseason Team, three 20‑point games in his first six contests, and a reputation for resilience after the shoulder injury cut his senior campaign short.
Now, as he prepares for the next chapter, Coward joins a growing list of Washington State alumni making their mark in the league, joining the likes of Jaylen Wells and Klay Thompson, both of whom have carved out notable NBA careers.