Amidst the quiet transfer market activity, the Duke basketball program finds itself in an unexpected position. According to On3's Joe Tipton, former Washington State player Cedric Coward has included Duke in his top five schools list. This intriguing development places the Blue Devils alongside Washington, Kansas, Alabama, and Florida, the reigning national champions. However, Coward is also exploring opportunities through the NBA Draft, where he is projected as a potential high second-round pick.

Coward, a 6-foot-6 guard from California, had an impressive senior season at Washington State until a season-ending injury. In just six games, he averaged 17.7 points, 7.0 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.7 blocks per game. His versatile performance made him a standout player despite the limited appearances.

This season marked Coward's first with Washington State after two years at Eastern Washington and one year at Division III Willamette. Despite his brief tenure, he demonstrated remarkable skills that have caught the attention of numerous college programs and the NBA alike.

Duke's head coach Jon Scheyer, in his fourth year, continues to navigate the transfer portal without any additions or losses so far. The Blue Devils' current roster remains unchanged, but the possibility of acquiring a seasoned player like Coward could significantly impact their future lineup.

The upcoming decisions regarding Cedric Coward’s future will undoubtedly shape the dynamics of college basketball and possibly the NBA landscape. As prospects unfold, fans eagerly await further updates on how this situation might evolve, impacting both the collegiate and professional arenas in unforeseen ways.