Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images

Who Are Cedric Coward’s Parents? A Look at the Family Behind the 2025 NBA Draft No. 11 Pick

A look at the support system behind the No. 11 pick in the 2025 NBA draft.,

Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images

Cedric Coward, who plays both shooting guard and small forward, was selected by the Blazers as the No. 11 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft after an injury-shortened senior season at Washington State. Meanwhile, the Portland Trail Blazers have traded Cedric Coward to the Memphis Grizzlies.

Though Coward had initially committed to Duke for a final year, Coward changed course following a promising NBA Combine performance. The Fresno native began at Willamette University in 2021, then transferred to Eastern Washington and finally to Washington State in 2024 via the portal.

Despite suffering a season-ending shoulder injury, Coward averaged 17.7 points and seven rebounds before going down, earning First-Team All-Big Sky honors. His college journey also includes All-Northwest Conference recognition and a Freshman of the Year award during his time at Willamette, where he averaged 19.4 points and 12 rebounds.

Went to see recent-Duke commit Cedric Coward in LA. Hard not to be impressed by the tremendous physical profile (huge hands, 7'2 wingspan, terrific frame) and budding skill level. Crazy trajectory from D3 to possible 1st round pick in a span of 3 years. pic.twitter.com/IUY0uT1Kl9
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) May 1, 2025

Now, with a well-traveled resume and plenty of upside, let’s get to know the real strength behind Cedric’s rise: his family.

Who are Cedric Coward’s parents?

Cedric Coward was born to Ray and Shanel Coward and grew up alongside his sister, Lauryn. Athletic excellence runs in the family, as his grandfather, Maxie Parks, is a local Fresno legend and Olympic gold medalist. Parks competed for UCLA in track and field and was part of the Team USA squad that won gold in the 4×400-meter relay at the 1976 Montreal Olympics.

Cedric Coward, who checks every box as a classic “Spurs character” type player, is one of my personal favorites in this draft. A 6’6” small fwd with a 7’2” wingspan, he’s a defensive disruptor with a solid inside-outside game who shoots an impressive 38% clip from three. He may… pic.twitter.com/mwBrWswnE8
— SpursRΞPORTΞR (@SpursReporter) June 24, 2025

Who is Cedric Coward’s mother?

Cedric Coward’s mother, Shanel Coward, has largely stayed out of the public spotlight, with limited information available about her. However, her unwavering support for her son speaks volumes. Cedric underwent surgery in March after suffering a jagged rotator cuff and a partially torn labrum, and Shanel remained by his side throughout his recovery.

“I just wanted to ensure he was going to be okay,” she said in an interview with Spokesman. “I know that he has people around him and things like that, but there’s no type of care that you can get better than your mom’s care. His physical was gonna be OK.

I trusted the surgeon and all those that needed to be there, but his mental is what I cared more about, keeping his spirits up, making sure he stayed focused, making sure he remained focused about school and his impact to the game, even though he couldn’t play.”

Cedric Coward proudly honors his mother and grandfather as his greatest heroes.#WCCsports | #WeChampionConversations | #BHM | @WSUCougarsMBB pic.twitter.com/0NPk0eN2i9
— West Coast Conference (@WCCsports) February 13, 2025

Cedric says affectionately, “Even though I’m 6’6″ and 21 years old, I’m still her baby. She did a really good job of helping me go through what I went through, helping me in whatever I needed, whether it was at 8 in the evening, 1 in the morning; she was always there, helping me take my pills, all the different stuff I needed.” (via Spokesman)

Who is Cedric Coward’s father?

Cedric Coward’s father is Ray Coward, and he’s a professional drummer. However, no further information is available about him in the public domain.

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Rudra Dubey

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I’m an academic turned sports writer from Raipur, India, specializing in the NFL, MMA, and tennis at The Playoffs. I previously wrote for Sportskeeda and hold a B.A. and M.A. in History. My journey into sports media began far from the field, rooted in the arts and sciences. Funny enough, I didn’t grow up a sports fan; I used to see it all as just noise. But a fateful writing job introduced me to the world of sports, and what began as a gig quickly became a passion. I understood those voices aren’t noise; they’re emotions of true sports fans, and now I am one of them, writing with the same energy I once questioned.