Brief Introduction of Cedric Coward
Cedric De’Von Coward is a rising American professional basketball player who has captured the attention of fans and analysts with his remarkable journey from a Division III college player to a first-round NBA draft pick. Known for his versatility as a shooting guard and small forward, Coward’s story is one of perseverance, rapid development, and an unwavering belief in his own potential. His dynamic skill set, characterized by efficient scoring, strong rebounding, and impressive defensive capabilities, has established him as an exciting prospect in the National Basketball Association. Currently playing for the Memphis Grizzlies, Coward’s unconventional path to the highest level of professional basketball serves as an inspiration and a testament to his relentless work ethic and the strong family foundation that has supported him throughout his career.
Cedric Coward Overview
| Full Name | Cedric De’Von Coward |
| Date of Birth | September 11, 2003 |
| Age(as of 2025) | 22 |
| Birthplace | Fresno, California |
| Profession | Professional Basketball Player |
| Husband/Wife | Not publicly available |
| Family | Shanel Moore (Mother), Ray Moore (Stepfather), Lauryn Coward (Sister), Maxie Parks (Grandfather) |
| Relationship/Affairs(GF/BF) | Information not publicly disclosed, though some reports have mentioned a girlfriend. |
| Net Worth | Estimated in the millions, based on his multi-year NBA rookie contract. |
Early Life and Education of Cedric Coward
Cedric Coward was born and raised in Fresno, California, where he attended Central High School. From a young age, athleticism was a significant part of his life, a trait he likely inherited from his grandfather, Maxie Parks, an Olympic gold medalist in track and field. Growing up, Coward was a multi-sport athlete, participating in basketball, football, soccer, track and field, and baseball. However, his passion for basketball eventually led him to focus solely on that sport in 2017. In high school, he demonstrated leadership qualities, serving as captain for both the freshman and junior varsity teams, and was named the Most Valuable Player of his JV team. Despite his dedication, he was not a highly-ranked recruit coming out of high school, with the COVID-19 pandemic limiting his exposure to college scouts. Academically, Coward was a strong student, maintaining his status on the honor roll throughout his high school years and taking AP classes to prepare for college-level coursework. He graduated from Central High School in 2021.
Cedric Coward’s Career
Cedric Coward’s basketball career is a compelling narrative of ascending through the ranks of college basketball to reach the pinnacle of the sport. His journey began at Willamette University, a Division III school in Salem, Oregon. In his freshman year during the 2021-22 season, he had a phenomenal performance, averaging an impressive 19.5 points and 12.0 rebounds per game. His outstanding play did not go unnoticed, as he was named the Northwest Conference Freshman of the Year and earned a spot on the first-team All-Northwest Conference.
Following his remarkable freshman season, Coward transferred to Eastern Washington University, making the significant leap to Division I basketball. In his first season with the Eagles (2022-23), he adapted to the higher level of competition, averaging 7.3 points and 5.6 rebounds per game. His sophomore season (2023-24) was a breakout year, where he became a key player for the team. He was unanimously selected to the first-team All-Big Sky Conference after averaging 15.4 points and 6.7 rebounds per game.
After two successful seasons at Eastern Washington, Coward entered the NCAA transfer portal and committed to Washington State University for his senior year (2024-25). His time with the Cougars was unfortunately cut short by a season-ending shoulder injury just six games into the season. However, in those few games, he was the team’s leading scorer, averaging 17.7 points and 7.0 rebounds per game, showcasing his potential to excel at a Power Five conference level.
Despite the injury, Coward’s talent and potential were evident to NBA scouts. He declared for the 2025 NBA draft while also initially committing to transfer to Duke University. After a strong performance at the NBA Draft Combine, where he impressed with his measurements, including a 7-foot-2.25 wingspan, he decided to forgo his remaining college eligibility and remain in the draft. In the 2025 NBA draft, Cedric Coward was selected as the 11th overall pick by the Portland Trail Blazers, who then traded him to the Memphis Grizzlies. He signed a multi-year rookie contract with the Grizzlies, marking the culmination of his incredible journey from Division III to the NBA.
Cedric Coward Personal Life & Family
Cedric Coward’s family has been a cornerstone of his life and career, providing unwavering support through his journey. He was raised by his mother, Shanel Moore, and his stepfather, Willie Ray Moore Jr., whom he considers his father. His mother is a social worker, and his stepfather is a professional drummer. Coward has a sister named Lauryn. A significant influence in his life is his maternal grandfather, Maxie Parks, who won a gold medal in the 4×400 meter relay at the 1976 Montreal Olympics. Parks instilled in Coward a strong work ethic and a deep understanding of what it takes to compete at the highest level. Coward also maintains a relationship with his paternal grandfather, Francis Coward. Outside of basketball, Coward has a creative side and enjoys painting custom sneakers as a hobby. While his focus remains on his professional career, he has mentioned having a girlfriend who, along with his family, was set to watch him play before his season-ending injury at Washington State.
Awards and Achievements of Cedric Coward
- First-team All-Big Sky (2024)
- NABC All-District First Team (2024)
- Northwest Conference Freshman of the Year (2022)
- First-team All-Northwest Conference (2022)
- Big Sky Player of the Week (December 20, 2022)
- Winter Big Sky Conference All-Academic Team (2023)
- Central High School Athlete of the Year (2021)
Cedric Coward Net Worth and Income
As a first-round pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, Cedric Coward’s net worth is primarily derived from his professional basketball contract. He signed a multi-year rookie scale contract with the Memphis Grizzlies valued at approximately $26.3 million over four years, with a significant portion guaranteed. His salary for his rookie season (2025-26) is reported to be around $5.7 million. This substantial income from his NBA contract forms the foundation of his current net worth. As his career progresses, his net worth is expected to increase through future contracts and potential endorsement deals. Information regarding other income sources is not publicly available at this time.
Legacy and Influence
Cedric Coward’s legacy is still in its early stages, but his journey has already had a significant impact. His ascent from an unranked high school player to a Division III standout and ultimately a top NBA draft pick is a powerful narrative of perseverance and self-belief. He has demonstrated that a player’s starting point does not define their ultimate destination, offering hope and inspiration to athletes who may be overlooked or underestimated in the early stages of their careers. His story challenges traditional recruiting narratives and highlights the importance of continuous development and seizing opportunities at every level of competition. As he embarks on his NBA career, his influence is poised to grow, not only through his on-court performance but also as a role model for aspiring athletes who dare to dream big, regardless of their path.
Interesting Facts about Cedric Coward
- His grandfather, Maxie Parks, is an Olympic gold medalist, winning in the 4×400 meter relay at the 1976 Montreal Olympics.
- He has a passion for art and design, specifically customizing and painting sneakers.
- As a testament to his versatility at Willamette University, he recorded the second-most double-doubles in all of Division III during his freshman season.
- His nickname is “Ced”.
- He has a remarkable 7-foot-2.25 wingspan, which is significantly larger than his 6-foot-6 height.
Controversies
There are no publicly known major controversies involving Cedric Coward. He has maintained a positive public image focused on his basketball career and personal development.
Social Media Presence
- Instagram – Information not publicly available
- Twitter – Information not publicly available
- YouTube – Information not publicly available
Final Words about Cedric Coward
Cedric Coward’s biography is a compelling story of ambition and resilience. His trajectory from a lesser-known high school player to a prominent NBA rookie is a testament to his dedication and the strong support system he has in his family. His career, though still in its nascent stages, has already been marked by significant achievements at every level of collegiate competition. Now with the Memphis Grizzlies, he is poised to translate his versatile skill set and high basketball IQ to the professional stage. As he continues to develop and adapt to the rigors of the NBA, the basketball world will be watching to see how the next chapters of his remarkable journey unfold. His story is not just about basketball; it is about the power of perseverance and the belief that with hard work and determination, any goal is attainable.
