NBA Comparison: James Jones

Strengths: Coward is a smooth, versatile wing with a near 7-foot wingspan, impressive efficiency, and a quietly diverse skill set … At 6’6”, he plays with pace, patience, and feel, rarely forcing shots or overextending offensively … A high-level shooter with clean mechanics and touch from multiple levels … Shows comfort scoring off the catch, off movement, and pulling up from midrange … Crafty with the ball, capable of creating his own shot without elite burst … His long strides and length allow him to finish efficiently, even without high-end vertical pop … Very good vision and timing as a passer — often makes smart reads on the move, encouraging progress that suggests growing playmaking comfort … Defensively, his wingspan and anticipation make him disruptive as a help defender and shot contestor … Averaged nearly 1 block per game over his college career — a standout number for a wing … Active rebounder with a nose for the ball … Brings an unselfish, team-first mindset, and his ability to contribute without needing high usage enhances his fit as a modern role player …

Weaknesses: Not an explosive athlete, and he can struggle to create separation or elevate in traffic against NBA-level defenders … Mostly scores within rhythm and doesn’t consistently blow by defenders or generate paint pressure on his own … Turnover rate (2.2 per game) remains slightly high, and he’s not a natural lead playmaker — more of a connector than a creator … Defensively, his length helps him compensate, but he still needs to improve lateral quickness and recovery when switching onto quicker guards … Played in just six games in 2024–25 due to a season-ending shoulder injury, making it difficult to fully evaluate his progression … Level of competition in the Big Sky Conference may also lead to questions about translation versus NBA-caliber athletes …

Outlook: Coward averaged 15.4 points, 6.7 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 1.0 steals per game in 2023–24 at Eastern Washington while shooting 56.5% from the field, 38.3% from three, and 89.5% from the line … Played in just six games in 2024–25 due to a season-ending shoulder injury suffered in a November 22 practice, raising questions about durability and limiting recent game film … A late bloomer and skilled, efficient wing with real shooting touch, Coward has drawn interest from both the transfer portal and NBA circles … With his frame, feel, and two-way potential, he’s more than a two-way flier and could be an intriguing option for teams seeking versatile, system-fit wings … Born September 11, 2003, Coward won’t turn 22 until just before the 2025–26 season, giving him developmental runway as one of the youngest seniors in the draft pool …

Notes: Born in Fresno, California … Played three seasons at Eastern Washington before transferring to Washington State in 2024–25 … Appeared in 91 career games with 85 starts before his injury-shortened senior year … Earned First Team All-Big Sky honors in 2023–24 … Majored in Interdisciplinary Studies …

Aran Smith – 4/17/25