Cougs in the NBA: How Have Washington State Alumni Played in 2025-26 Season?
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Memphis Grizzlies forward Cedric Coward (23) shoots as Minnesota Timberwolves guard Bones Hyland (8) defends during the second quarter at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images [/caption]
With the Washington State basketball season now officially over after an early one-and-done exit in the WCC Tournament, it’s a good time to check in on several former Cougars who are currently playing in the NBA.
Here’s a look at how five former Cougs are performing in the Association or G-League:
Klay Thompson
Years in Pullman: 2008–2011
Thompson has a strong case as the most famous Washington State alumnus. The five-time NBA All-Star and four-time NBA champion has been in the league since the 2011–12 season.
Now 35 years old and playing for the Dallas Mavericks, Thompson is experiencing one of the toughest seasons of his career. For the first time since his rookie year, he has primarily been coming off the bench.
Through the 2025–26 season, Thompson has been averaging 11.8 points per game, which would be the lowest mark of his career. His three-point percentage has also dipped to about 38%, still respectable but below the elite shooting standards he established during his prime.
Despite the decline in scoring, Thompson remains one of the NBA’s most respected shooters and veterans, providing leadership and spacing for Dallas.
Jaylen Wells
Years in Pullman: 2023–2024
Wells, a key member of Washington State’s 2024 NCAA Tournament team, has continued to develop with the Memphis Grizzlies.
After an impressive rookie season in which he averaged 10.4 points per game and earned NBA All-Rookie First Team honors, Wells has seen a modest increase in production in his second season.
This year, he’s averaging nearly 12 points per game while shooting around 43% from the field, a slight improvement over his rookie shooting percentage of 42.5%.
Wells has also built a reputation as a strong perimeter defender, often drawing tough defensive assignments on opposing wings.
Cedric Coward
Years in Pullman: 2024–2025
Coward’s college career at Washington State was cut short by injury, as he played just six games in Pullman before declaring for the draft. But his transition to the NBA has been impressive.
The rookie forward with the Memphis Grizzlies is averaging 13.5 points and 6.3 rebounds per game while shooting close to 46% from the field.
Coward has quickly earned a role in Memphis’ rotation thanks to his athleticism, rebounding, and ability to score inside and on the perimeter. He will very likely be part of the NBA All-Rookie team.
Mouhamed Gueye
Years in Pullman: 2021–2023
Gueye has continued to develop into a versatile defensive forward with the Atlanta Hawks.
In roughly 15 minutes per game, Gueye is averaging 4.8 points and 3.6 rebounds this season.
While the counting stats are modest, his advanced defensive numbers are intriguing. When projected to per-36 minutes, Gueye averages more than 2.5 steals and around 1.5 blocks, highlighting his ability to impact the game defensively with his length and mobility.
Isaac Jones
Years in Pullman: 2021–2023
After going undrafted, Jones earned an opportunity with the Sacramento Kings and later spent time with the Detroit Pistons.
Jones appeared in 40 NBA games during his rookie season with Sacramento. This year, he has spent most of his time developing in the G League with the Motor City Cruise, Detroit’s affiliate.
In the G League, Jones has been productive, averaging 19.7 points and 8.3 rebounds per game, showing his ability to score inside and rebound at a high level while working toward an NBA role.
