Cedric De’Von Coward Bio
Cedric De’Von Coward is an American professional basketball player for the Memphis Grizzlies of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Born on September 11, 2003, in Fresno, California, he was drafted 11th overall by the Portland Trail Blazers in the 2025 NBA Draft before being traded to the Grizzlies. Coward played college basketball for three programs, beginning at Willamette University before transferring to Eastern Washington University and finishing at Washington State University. He quickly made an impact in the NBA, recording a historic shooting performance in his rookie season and earning NBA All-Rookie First Team honors.
Early Life and Background
Coward grew up in Fresno, California, where he attended Central High School. His basketball lineage runs deep in his family, as he is the grandson of Maxie Parks, a notable figure in basketball. This family connection provided Coward with early exposure to the sport and helped shape his development as a player from a young age.
During his time at Central High School in Fresno, Coward developed into a promising prospect that would attract attention from college programs across the Pacific Northwest. His high school career laid the foundation for his eventual transition to collegiate basketball at the Division III level before moving to higher divisions.
Path to Professional Basketball
Coward began his college journey at Willamette University, a Division III institution, where he made an immediate impact in his freshman season. He averaged 19.5 points and 12.0 rebounds per game, earning Northwest Conference Freshman of the Year honors and a spot on the first-team All-Northwest Conference team. This outstanding debut season demonstrated his ability to dominate at the collegiate level.
After his freshman year, Coward transferred to Eastern Washington University, moving to the Division I level. His first season with the Eagles saw him average 7.3 points and 5.6 rebounds per game as he adjusted to the increased competition. He continued to develop and elevate his game, ultimately earning first-team All-Big Sky Conference honors as a junior after averaging 15.4 points and 6.7 rebounds per game.
Following his junior season at Eastern Washington, Coward entered the NCAA transfer portal and committed to Washington State University. Unfortunately, his lone season with the Cougars was cut short by a season-ending shoulder injury after just six games. At the time of his injury, he was leading the team in scoring at 17.7 points per game while averaging seven rebounds per game. Despite the setback, Coward declared for the 2025 NBA Draft following his senior season.
Cedric De’Von Coward Career
Rookie Season with Memphis Grizzlies (2025-Present)
Coward was selected 11th overall by the Portland Trail Blazers in the 2025 NBA Draft. He was subsequently traded to the Memphis Grizzlies in exchange for Yang Hansen and future draft considerations. He officially signed with the Grizzlies on July 8, 2025, beginning his professional career with the franchise.
On October 25, 2025, Coward delivered a historic performance in just his third NBA game. He scored 27 points while shooting a perfect 6-for-6 from three-point range in a 128-103 victory over the Indiana Pacers. This performance made him the first rookie in Grizzlies franchise history to record at least six made three-pointers in a game without a miss, instantly drawing attention across the league.
Throughout his rookie campaign, Coward continued to develop as a key contributor for Memphis. At the conclusion of the season, he finished fifth in Rookie of the Year voting and was named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team, validating his selection as the 11th overall pick and establishing himself as a foundation piece for the Grizzlies’ future.
Playing Style and Strengths
Coward plays the shooting guard position, listed at 6 feet 5 inches (1.96 meters) and 206 pounds (93 kilograms). His defining rookie moment came from his exceptional three-point shooting ability, demonstrated by his flawless performance from beyond the arc. His size and shooting touch give him the tools to space the floor and contribute as a perimeter threat in the Grizzlies’ offense.
Notable Events and Milestones
The standout moment of Coward’s rookie season was his October 25 performance against the Indiana Pacers. The 27-point outing on perfect shooting from three-point range not only set a franchise record for the Grizzlies but also announced his arrival in the NBA. His All-Rookie First Team selection at season’s end cemented his status as one of the top first-year players from the 2025 draft class.
Cedric De’Von Coward Career Highlights
Throughout his collegiate and professional career, Coward has accumulated notable achievements at each level of competition. His rapid ascent from Division III to the NBA was marked by consistent standout performances that caught the attention of scouts and executives.
Professional Achievements
In his rookie NBA season with the Memphis Grizzlies, Coward earned NBA All-Rookie First Team honors. He appeared in multiple games as a rookie, recording his signature performance with 27 points on perfect three-point shooting against Indiana. The historic shooting night established him as a rookie to watch in the league.
College Career Highlights
At the collegiate level, Coward earned First-team All-Big Sky Conference recognition in 2024 during his junior season at Eastern Washington. Earlier in his career, he was named the Northwest Conference Freshman of the Year in 2022 and secured first-team All-Northwest Conference honors in the same season while at Willamette. These accolades demonstrated his ability to perform at a high level across multiple divisions of college basketball.
Cedric De’Von Coward Family
Family Background and Basketball Lineage
Coward comes from a family with deep basketball roots. He is the grandson of Maxie Parks, whose own basketball career has contributed to the family’s legacy in the sport. This family connection provided Coward with early inspiration and guidance as he pursued his own basketball aspirations in Fresno, California.
Personal Life
As a young professional just beginning his NBA career, Coward continues to represent his hometown of Fresno while playing for the Memphis Grizzlies. His social media presence includes his Instagram account, where he connects with fans following his rookie season and early professional career.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marked Coward’s rookie year in the NBA following his selection in the previous year’s draft. After being traded on draft night from Portland to Memphis, he signed with the Grizzlies in early July and began preparing for his professional debut. The transition from college to the NBA presented challenges, but his early performance suggested he could contribute immediately.
His breakthrough moment came in late October when he exploded for 27 points against the Pacers, becoming the first Grizzlies rookie to make six or more three-pointers without a miss in a single game. This performance provided a glimpse of his potential as a sharpshooter at the professional level. The remainder of his rookie season saw him work toward consistency while earning valuable minutes.
By the end of the season, Coward had established himself as a rotation player for the Grizzlies. His fifth-place finish in Rookie of the Year voting and All-Rookie First Team selection reflected the strong first impression he made in the league. As he entered his second season, Coward aimed to build on this foundation and become an increasingly important piece of the Grizzlies’ long-term plans.