The Duke basketball program is hoping it isn't in a similar situation this offseason as it was a year ago around this time. Head coach Jon Scheyer and his staff sealed a commitment from Washington State transfer guard Cedric Coward, one of the top guards in the entire portal. He was set to be a key scoring piece in the Blue Devils' backcourt in 2025-26. Mar 26, 2026; Washington, DC, USA; Duke Blue Devils head coach Jon Scheyer shoots a ball during a practice session ahead of the east regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images | Geoff Burke-Imagn Images After Coward committed to Duke, he made it clear his focus remained on the 2025 NBA Draft. The guard went through the NBA Combine and pre-draft process, ultimately electing to remain in the draft and bypass his final season of college basketball. Coward went on to be selected in the lottery by the Memphis Grizzlies and put together a solid rookie season in the NBA. Scheyer and Co.…