For a long time, Klay Thompson was carrying all the national notoriety for the WSU program at the professional level. Other players had brief stints — like Kyle Weaver, or more recently C.J. Elleby (whose Trail Blazers jersey still sits in my closet) — and a few, like Aron Baynes, made a real impact. Incredibly, there are now enough Cougs in the NBA to form a full starting five. Let’s take a look at how the start of the season is treating our Cougs.
The Rookie
Cedric Coward | Team: Memphis Grizzlies
2025 Stats: 7 Games | 25 Minutes per Game | 15 Points | 4.9 Rebounds | 2.6 Assists | 59% FG | 48% 3PT
What a shame that we only got to watch Coward for a couple of weeks last year. After his injury, things really started to spiral for the team — which tends to happen when you lose your best scorer, passer, rebounder, and defender all at once. A fast riser in the draft process due to his size, wingspan, smooth shooting stroke, and well-rounded game, Coward has absolutely set the league on fire to start the year, scoring in double figures in six of his first seven professional games. Already averaging 25 minutes per game, it’s only a matter of time before Cedric becomes a staple in Memphis’ starting lineup — and probably for a long time. I don’t even want to guess his ceiling, but it’s clear he has the potential to be elite in almost every major skill in today’s game. Awesome job, Cedric!
The Second-Year Guys
Jaylen Wells | Team: Memphis Grizzlies
2025 Stats: 7 Games, 7 Starts | 27 Minutes | 10 Points | 3.7 Rebounds | 1.4 Assists | 35% FG | 26% 3PT
At this rate, Memphis might need to rename themselves the “Cougars” if they keep drafting our players. Wells had a breakout rookie year as a second-round pick, coming out of nowhere to start 74 games and become a key contributor for a Grizzlies team that held the #2 seed in the Western Conference for much of the season. His shooting numbers dipped later in the year, knocking him out of the Rookie of the Year race he’d been firmly in for months. As the Grizzlies’ premier wing defender, Wells has gotten off to a rough start from the field early this season, but look for him to bounce back and continue being one of the league’s most underrated players. Already dropping WSU mentions in interviews — we love you, Jaylen!
Isaac Jones | Team: Sacramento Kings
2025 Stats: 3 Games, 1 Start | 6 Minutes | 1 Point | 0.7 Rebounds | 0.3 Assists | 50% FG
What a journey for Isaac! From stocking shelves to starting in the NBA in just three years. You could say it about almost all these guys — it’s straight out of a sports movie. Last season in the G League, Jones averaged 21 points and 10 rebounds on 57% shooting. What sets him apart is his relentless motor and ability to finish around the rim. With the Kings’ shaky frontcourt, there’s a real opportunity for Jones to earn more minutes as the season progresses. Keep grinding, Isaac — we’re rooting for you!
The Two-and-Done Guy
Mouhamed Gueye | Team: Atlanta Hawks
2025 Stats: 7 Games, 1 Start | 15 Minutes | 7 Points | 3.9 Rebounds | 1.0 Assists | 56% FG | 31% 3PT
I’ll be the first to admit I wasn’t sure about Mo’s decision to turn pro after his sophomore season — even though his improvement that year was massive. Just imagine how good that already stacked WSU team would’ve been with him: C-Mo, PF-Isaac Jones, SF-Jakimovsky, SG-Jaylen Wells, PG-Myles Rice. My goodness. Mo is now carving out a nice role for himself in Atlanta as a high-energy defensive presence off the bench. He started 28 games last season due to injuries and looks to have secured a spot in the Hawks’ nine-man rotation this year. Mo’s length and athleticism were never in question — it was whether he could shoot well enough to earn consistent minutes. So far, so good. Awesome job, Mo!
The GOAT
Klay Thompson | Team: Dallas Mavericks
2025 Stats: 6 Games, 6 Starts | 21 Minutes | 9 Points | 3 Rebounds | 1.3 Assists | 33% FG | 29% 3PT
Klay’s legacy has long been secure — no matter what happens this year or for the rest of his career. He’s one of a handful of players who can legitimately claim to be the second-best shooter ever. A two-way superstar for nine years with Golden State, Klay picked up four championships and even led the league in scoring during one playoff run. This season has gotten off to a slow start for him, playing on a Dallas team that’s experimenting with Cooper Flagg at point guard, which means fewer easy catch-and-shoot opportunities unless there’s a trade. Whatever Klay accomplishes from here is icing on an already perfectly baked cake. Just for anyone who’s forgotten — Klay still holds the NBA records for most points in a quarter (37) and most made threes in a game (14)! Thank you for all that you’ve done for the university and for how well you’ve represented it throughout your entire career — it has been a real pleasure watching your journey.