Cooper Flagg represents the bright future of basketball in the United States. Born on December 21, 2006, in Newport, Maine, this 6’9″ (2.06 m), 207-pound (94 kg) forward has already taken the sport by storm with his versatility and intensity on the court. At just 18 years old, he was the undisputed star of the 2025 NBA Draft, selected as the No. 1 overall pick by the Dallas Mavericks. His journey — marked by early achievements and an unrelenting work ethic — inspires young athletes around the world. In this article, we explore Flagg’s path from humble beginnings to the professional spotlight, including the latest updates from his rookie season.
Early Steps in a Small Town
Cooper Flagg’s story began far from the big-city basketball hotbeds. Newport, a town of fewer than 3,000 people in Maine, isn’t exactly an NBA talent factory. Yet it was there that Flagg discovered his passion for the game. The son of Kelly and Ralph Flagg, he grew up in a family that valued hard work and community. Both parents are teachers who encouraged sports as a way to build discipline and have fun.
At age 7, Cooper was already dribbling in driveways and local gyms. His early height stood out, but it was his motor skills that truly impressed. Local coaches remember a kid who devoured NBA games on TV, copying moves from stars like LeBron James and Kevin Durant. By age 10, he was competing in national AAU tournaments. That’s when Flagg started turning heads, leading under-12 teams in scoring and rebounding.
The turning point came in high school when, at 14, he transferred to Montverde Academy in Florida — one of the nation’s premier basketball programs. The move was a family sacrifice but necessary to take his game to the next level. At Montverde under coach Kevin Boyle, Flagg exploded. In the 2022-23 season as a freshman, he helped the team win the GEICO Nationals title, scoring 18 points in the championship game against IMG Academy. His relentless defense — blocks and steals — drew comparisons to Scottie Pippen. Off the court, he adapted to life away from home while balancing intense training and academics.
High School Dominance and National Recognition
The 2023-24 season cemented Flagg as the best high school player in America. Averaging 16.5 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 3.9 assists, he led Montverde to a perfect 33-0 record. His all-around game — deep shooting, explosive drives, and elite court vision — put him ahead of rivals like Ace Bailey and Dylan Harper.
An iconic moment came in a matchup against his former Montverde teammate Derik Queen (now at Maryland), where Flagg dropped 25 points and 10 rebounds. Awards poured in: Jordan Brand Classic MVP, McDonald’s All-American, and Gatorade National Player of the Year. ESPN and 247Sports ranked him No. 1 in the class of 2024, projecting him as a future “two-way superstar” in the NBA.
Off the court, Flagg stayed grounded. Back in Maine, he hosted free clinics for underprivileged kids, using basketball as a tool for inclusion. In interviews, he always credited his teammates and family. That stage set the scene for his one-and-done college choice: Duke University, drawn by Coach Jon Scheyer’s vision and the Blue Devils’ storied tradition.
An Unforgettable Season at Duke
Arriving at Duke in August 2024 felt like stepping into a whirlwind. Flagg, the most hyped recruit since Zion Williamson, immediately became the team’s leader. In preseason exhibitions, he showcased improved three-point shooting and lightning-fast transition play. His official debut against the Maine Celtics yielded 22 points and 8 rebounds.
The 2024-25 regular season was dominant: 18.4 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 4.2 assists over 35 games on 48% shooting. Highlights included a triple-double against North Carolina (20-12-10) and 30 points in a March Madness win over Kentucky. His 2.3 blocks per game anchored Duke to the ACC title and an appearance in the NCAA championship game, where they fell 78-75 to UConn.
Minor injuries, such as an ankle sprain, tested his resilience, but he returned stronger each time. Coach Scheyer praised his leadership: “Cooper doesn’t just play for himself; he lifts everyone.” By season’s end, Flagg swept the Wooden Award and Naismith Trophy, confirming his status as college basketball’s best player. His decision to declare for the draft after one year was expected but still left a void in Durham.
The 2025 NBA Draft: An Inevitable Choice for Dallas
On June 25, 2025, the Barclays Center in Brooklyn erupted when Commissioner Adam Silver announced: “With the first overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, the Dallas Mavericks select Cooper Flagg from Duke University.” The Mavs, fresh off a Western Conference Finals appearance in 2024, saw Flagg as the perfect complement to Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving — adding elite defense and versatility.
Wearing a navy suit, an emotional Flagg hugged his family on stage. “Dallas feels like the right place to grow,” he told reporters. His four-year rookie contract is worth an estimated $50 million. Summer workouts with Dončić were intense; Luka nicknamed him “little brother” and predicted instant chemistry. Analysts immediately pegged Flagg as the favorite for Rookie of the Year, comparing his basketball IQ to Jayson Tatum.
Quick Adaptation with the Dallas Mavericks
Preseason games showed Flagg was NBA-ready. He posted 14 points and 6 rebounds against the Lakers in exhibitions. His regular-season debut on October 22 against the Thunder: 12 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 blocks in 28 minutes in a 112-105 Dallas win. He celebrated with a “Maine to Dallas” post on social media.
The first few months were a learning curve. Early averages of 12.8 points and 5.2 rebounds reflected typical rookie adjustment under coach Jason Kidd’s rotation and intense media scrutiny. A signature win came in November against the Clippers, where he scored 18 points while locking down Kawhi Leonard. Early losses to Phoenix and Denver exposed the team’s youth, but Kidd saw the silver lining: “These losses are building character for Cooper; he’s learning to lead through adversity.”
Flagg missed his first NBA game on November 20 against Sacramento due to a severe flu, but he returned quickly and has played more games than many injury-plagued stars like Anthony Davis in recent seasons.
Rookie Season Highlights So Far
As of November 23, 2025, Cooper Flagg is already a sensation in Dallas. His most recent performance on November 21 against the New Orleans Pelicans was electric: a career-high 29 points (including 12 in the fourth quarter) to seal a 115-108 victory. It was sweet revenge against his old high school rival Derik Queen (now with Washington) and reignited old rivalries.
That night put him in rare company — joining LeBron James as one of the few rookies to score 25+ points on 70% shooting in a regular-season game. Current averages: 15.5 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 3.1 assists in 34 minutes — good for Top 5 among rookies. Fans at American Airlines Center chant “Flagg Flag,” and his dunk highlights go viral on TikTok.
Another standout was a complete team win over Toronto, where his pick-and-roll chemistry with Dončić shone. Kidd now uses him all over the defensive end, switching onto guards and battling centers. With injuries hitting other teams hard, Dallas feels fortunate to have their rookie mostly healthy.
Playing Style: Versatility and Basketball IQ
What makes Flagg special is how complete he already is. Offensively, he shoots 38% from three, attacks the rim with power, and passes like a point guard. His dominant left hand keeps defenders guessing. Defensively, he’s a “glue guy” — blocking guards at the perimeter and cleaning the glass against bigs. A 7-foot wingspan lets him protect the rim like few rookies can.
Comparisons to Tatum and Pippen are fair, but Flagg brings a modern small-ball awareness. He obsessively studies film to cut down turnovers and wakes up at 5 a.m. for workouts — inspiring even the veterans. In the Mavs locker room, he’s the beloved “little brother” who unites the group.
Life Off the Court and a Legacy in the Making
Away from basketball, Flagg is a regular 18-year-old. He loves fishing back in Maine, plays guitar, and supports environmental causes — his home state has been hit hard by climate change. Relationship status: single and career-focused, though rumors swirl about a Duke influencer. His mom Kelly still helps manage his social media.
Flagg’s legacy? He’s the new face of the NBA’s next generation, proving small-town kids can become superstars. Nike and Gatorade deals are already worth millions, but winning remains his priority. Critics wonder if he can handle Dallas pressure, but the numbers speak for themselves.
A Promising Future
With the season in full swing, Flagg has his eyes on All-Rookie First Team honors and a deep playoff run. Recent updates show a mature rookie who has bounced back from illness and early losses. In Dallas, he’s not just a player — he’s hope for a championship. From Newport to superstar, Cooper Flagg reminds us that basketball is about the journey. And his has only just begun.
