‘His story is unprecedented’: Former coach reflects on Cedric Coward’s journey from WU Bearcat to Memphis Grizzly

Coward, called up. Art by Adrian Axtell.

When Cedric Coward stepped onto the court for Willamette University in fall of 2021, few would have predicted that he might one day hear his name called in the first round of the NBA Draft. 

Yet that projection has become reality: in June, Coward was selected 11th overall in the 2025 NBA Draft by the Portland Trail Blazers before being traded to the Memphis Grizzlies. 

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.”

Coward faces Pacific University on Feb. 18, 2022. Photo courtesy of the Willamette Athletics Department.

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.”

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.”

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. His improvement earned more attention, and when his coach, David Riley, pivoted to Washington State, Coward soon followed. 

On draft night, the Portland Trail Blazers selected Coward 11th overall, but via trade, his rights were sent to the Memphis Grizzlies. Reflecting on Coward’s journey, Horton could only marvel: “It never happens — DIII to lottery pick. His story is unprecedented. He told us it would happen, and now he’s living what he said he would do. To watch him go and do it is incredible.”

On Oct. 22, Coward took the court for his first NBA game, shooting 100% for 14 points in 22 minutes played as the Grizzlies downed the Pelicans 128-122.