Cedric Coward Says He Does Not Fear the Rookie Wall

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Cedric Coward just gave one of the most confident responses you’ll hear from a rookie all season.

When a reporter asked the Memphis Grizzlies first-year player if he’s worried about hitting the dreaded “rookie wall,” his answer was short and powerful: “No, I only fear God.”

That’s it. That’s the whole response.

The quote, reported by Drew Hill of the Daily Memphian, quickly went viral. And honestly, it’s not hard to see why.

The Numbers Back Up the Confidence

Coward hasn’t just been talking a big game – he’s been playing one too.

The 22-year-old has been one of the biggest surprises in Memphis this season. As the No. 11 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, he’s started every single game he’s played.

Through his first 37 games, Coward’s averaging 14 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 2.9 assists. That’s pretty impressive production for someone picked outside the top 10.

What He Actually Said About Fatigue

Beyond that headline-grabbing quote, Coward did elaborate a bit more on how he thinks about the physical grind of an NBA season.

“If it comes, it comes. If it doesn’t, it doesn’t,” he explained. “For me, it’s one game at a time, one practice at a time.”

It’s a measured approach. He’s not pretending fatigue doesn’t exist – he’s just saying he’s not gonna stress about it.

Coward focuses on keeping a consistent routine. He wants to build habits that’ll keep him fresh through the long season. The goal? Be reliable night after night, just like the league’s best players.

He also acknowledged that every game won’t be perfect.

“There’s going to be games where… games weren’t so good, games that went really well,” Coward said. “For me, it’s just building.”

Grizzlies rookie Cedric Coward was asked if he’s afraid of hitting a ‘rookie wall’…

The No. 11 pick in the draft is averaging 14, 6, and 3 for Memphis

(Via @DrewHill_DM)

– Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport)

His Journey Was Anything But Typical

What makes Coward’s success even more remarkable is where he came from.

This wasn’t a one-and-done Kentucky star. Coward started his college career at Division III Willamette University. Yes, Division III – the level without athletic scholarships.

From there, he transferred to Eastern Washington, then to Washington State. Injuries limited his playing time along the way.

But somehow, he impressed scouts enough for Memphis to take a chance on him in the first round.

Just 10 games into the season, Coward had earned a regular spot in the rotation. And he hasn’t given it up since.

His shooting efficiency and versatility have been crucial for a Grizzlies team that’s been dealing with injuries to other key players all season long.

Not bad for a guy who started at a D-III school just a few years ago.