Cedric Coward is a senior research analyst at the NBA. He painted that picture again on October 25 when he dropped a game-high 27 points to power the Memphis Grizzlies past the Indiana Pacers. That has quickly made his stellar performance all the more valuable, as he has already become a key player in the Grizzlies’ rotation. In just five games, he’s averaged 16 points, 3.8 rebounds and 2.0 assists. Coward’s pilgrimage has been anything but ordinary. From Division III to playing at the highest level – living the dream. Evans moved up from Division III basketball and has realized his childhood dream.
Coward started his collegiate career with the six-win Bobcats. As a freshman, he put up jaw-dropping averages of 19.5 points, 12.0 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game. He subsequently followed his father’s career path, transferring to mid-major Eastern Washington University in order to leave his own imprint. His performance during his second season at Eastern Washington caught the attention of NBA scouts. He averaged a team-best 15.4 points and 6.7 rebounds per game while shooting an impressive 56.5% from the field.
The tale of Coward’s rise is one of perseverance and determination, deeply rooted in his family’s athletic legacy. His maternal grandfather, Maxie Parks, won a gold medal in the men’s 4×400 relay at the 1976 Montreal Olympics. He was once as high as fourth in the world for the men’s 100 meters. Though tragic, this bloodline heritage has stoked Coward’s drive and dreams since he was a boy.
“He said, ‘Papa, I want to be better than you,’” – Maxie Parks.
Coward’s mother, Shanel Moore, remembered the way her son articulated his dreams even as a toddler.
“We believe in the power of manifestation. He believed in what he wanted to do and made it happen,” – Shanel Moore.
Despite overcoming significant obstacles, including a season-ending torn labrum surgery during his senior year at Washington State, Coward remained focused on his goal of reaching the NBA. He faced challenges along the way, including being unprepared for his preseason debut with the Grizzlies after missing all seven shots. He remained undeterred.
“Fear creates doubt. Fear creates unsteadiness,” – Cedric Coward.
Coward’s resolve is no more apparent than in his pursuit of basketball and life. He shares inspirational messages about preparing for success and believing in yourself.
“For me, I don’t like to be unprepared. I like to be prepared for every situation I go to,” – Cedric Coward.
His commitment to hard work and dedication has paid off and then some. Consequently, he emerged as a media darling in the run-up to the NBA draft. Reporters even descended to hear about Coward’s incredible jump from off the street to professional basketball stardom.
After an impressive showing early on this season, Coward has fans and analysts buzzing about his performance. Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 205 pounds, he possesses remarkable athleticism with a 7-2 wingspan and a 38½-inch vertical jump. His floor stretching potential and ball-hawking defensive prowess have turned him into an irreplaceable weapon off the bench for the Memphis Grizzlies.
In reflecting on his journey, Coward admitted that it was hard to believe he could reach the NBA at times.
“It’s hard to believe I could go to the NBA then, if I’m being honest,” – Cedric Coward.
What he did stress was the critical role visualization played in realizing his aspirations.
“I had to because I’m a big believer in manifestation and seeing where you want to be in life,” – Cedric Coward.
Now that Coward is turning heads in the NBA, his story is one that will inspire countless aspiring athletes to never let anything stand in their way. He inspires those around him to not allow any bumps in the road to stop them from achieving their dreams.
“Don’t let anybody stop you. Don’t let anybody tell you otherwise. Persevere through any obstacles you have and just keep having faith in yourself and in the ones that helped you get here,” – Cedric Coward.
Grandfather and community advocate Maxie Parks chimed in with passionate lessons learned along the way from his grandson’s experience.
“What you could learn from his story is never to quit, never to doubt yourself,” – Maxie Parks.
As Coward continues through his rookie season with the Grizzlies, he’s definitely a reflection of that work ethic and grit mentality. His path from Division III basketball to the NBA illustrates that determination can break barriers and transform dreams into reality.
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