One on one with Central East grad turned NBA player Cedric Coward

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — As the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas was wrapping up, Action News sports director Stephen Hicks caught up with Central East alum turned NBA first-round draft pick Cedrick Coward.

The Fresno native was selected 11th overall by the Portland Trail Blazers during last month’s draft but was later traded to the Memphis Grizzlies.

RELATED: Central East grad Cedric Coward drafted 11th overall in NBA Draft, will play for Memphis Grizzlies

Coward is the third first-round draft pick from Fresno in the last five years, following AJ Johnson in 2024 (23rd overall to the Bucks) and Jalen Green in 2021 (2nd overall to the Rockets).

Although he traveled to Las Vegas with the Grizzlies, Coward did not suit up as he is currently rehabbing from a shoulder injury.

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