The Portland Trail Blazers selected Cedric Coward with the 11th pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, then traded him to the Memphis Grizzlies.
Coward had transferred to Duke from Washington State earlier this offseason but ultimately remained in the draft, securing a lottery selection despite missing most of last season with a shoulder injury.
Coward played just six games at Washington State, averaging 17.7 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 3.7 assists while shooting efficiently from the floor. With Coward’s selection, a turbulent offseason continues for the Cougars, who have now lost their top six scorers from last year’s roster.
Cougars Face Rebuild After Cedric Coward and Core Depart
Head coach David Riley faces a complete rebuild in Pullman.
In addition to Coward leaving, Washington State lost key starters Nate Calmese, LeJuan Watts, Ethan Price, Isaiah Watts, and Dane Erikstrup, most of whom made up the starting five after Coward’s injury. With Marcus Wilson also departing, the roster has been left thin on experience and scoring.
The Grizzlies are sending No. 16, a 2028 first-round pick via Orlando and two seconds to Portland for Cedric Coward, sources said. https://t.co/vLA63Gg3G8
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 26, 2025
A few returners remain. Forward ND Okafor will be counted on for more frontcourt minutes after averaging 5.6 points and 1.3 blocks per game. Tomas Thrastarson showed promise as a freshman guard, shooting 41.4% from three-point range in 20.7 minutes per game. Latvian forward Rihards Vavers also returns, having shot nearly 50% from deep off the bench.
Two returning names in the backcourt are Parker Gerrits, a 6’1″ redshirt sophomore who adds depth at point guard, and 6’6″ sophomore Kase Wynott, a wing with size.
Keep Reading: Who Are Cedric Coward’s Parents? Get To Know the 2025 NBA Draft Prospect’s Mother and Father
To replenish the roster, Washington State has brought in several new faces through the portal and recruiting.
Boise State transfer Emmanuel Ugbo, who had a strong showing in the Mountain West tournament, could play a big role in the paint. The team also added Morehead State point guard Jerone Morton and Texas Tech forward Eemeli Yalaho, along with High Point senior transfer Simon Hildebrandt.
Freshman additions include 6′10″ forward Dominik Robinson, 6′2″ shooting guard Aaron Glass, and guards Brunel Madzou and Dio Blakely, each bringing fresh potential to a Washington State team in transition.
Washington State Cougars 2025–26 Projected Depth Chart
Point Guard
- Jerone Morton (Transfer from Morehead State)
- Parker Gerrits (Redshirt Sophomore)
- Dio Blakely (Freshman)
- Brunel Madzou (Freshman)
Shooting Guard
- Aaron Glass (Freshman)
- Tomas Thrastarson (Sophomore)
- Kase Wynott (Sophomore)
Small Forward
- Rihards Vavers (Junior)
- Eemeli Yalaho (Transfer from Texas Tech)
Forwards/Bigs
- Dominik Robinson (Freshman)
- Simon Hildebrandt (Transfer from High Point)
- Emmanuel Ugbo (Transfer from Boise State)
- ND Okafor (Redshirt Junior)
