Cooper Flagg’s Rise Amid Doubt
Cooper Flagg has garnered immense attention as one of the most talked-about prospects in the NBA, but he reflects on a time when the hype wasn’t so prevalent. The Duke standout is projected to be the top pick in the upcoming NBA Draft.
He recalls facing significant skepticism during his youth, particularly from those back home in Maine. “People told me I’d never reach the next level or play Division I basketball just because I was from Maine, where not many were playing. But I think it’s not about where you start. If you put in the effort and believe in yourself, you can really accomplish anything,” he expressed.
The landscape for basketball talent from Maine is quite sparse. While Miami Heat player Duncan Robinson was born in the state, he actually grew up in New Hampshire and went undrafted in 2018. The most notable player from Maine might be former Olympic gold medalist Jeff Turner, who played for Vanderbilt and had a career in the NBA from the mid-1980s, although he did spend some time playing in Italy.
As it stands, Flagg is on track to become the most accomplished basketball player to emerge from Maine.
A Standout Season
During his season at Duke, Flagg led the team in nearly all statistical categories, racking up 709 points, 278 rebounds, 155 assists, and averaging about 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game. His standout moment came earlier this year when he set an Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Freshman Record with a staggering 42-point game against Notre Dame.
He was instrumental in Duke’s journey to the NCAA Tournament semi-finals and was honored with the 2025 Naismith Player of the Year Award, marking him as the fourth freshman to achieve this.
Reflecting on his journey at the NBA Draft Combine, Flagg stated, “Where you come from doesn’t define you. If you have a goal or a dream and devote yourself to it… I always loved basketball and have worked for this.”
The Dallas Mavericks are anticipated to select Flagg after winning the first pick in the upcoming NBA Draft.
