Cooper Flagg has quickly become one of the most talked-about names in basketball, even before playing a single college game. Born in 2006 in Newport, Maine, Flagg rose to prominence as a high school phenom, drawing national attention for his rare blend of size, athleticism, and polished skill. At 6’9” with a versatile forward’s frame, he can score in multiple ways, handle the ball with confidence, and impact the game on both ends of the floor. Defensively, he’s especially advanced, with elite timing as a shot-blocker and the mobility to guard multiple positions — traits that have fueled comparisons to NBA stars like Jayson Tatum and Andrei Kirilenko.
Flagg’s rise accelerated during his time with Montverde Academy, one of the premier prep basketball programs, where he dominated national competition and elevated his profile against the best players in the country. His performances on the AAU circuit and with USA Basketball further solidified his reputation as the top player in the 2025 recruiting class. In 2023, he became the first underclassman to win Gatorade’s Maine Player of the Year, signaling just how advanced his game already was.
In October 2023, Flagg committed to Duke University, ensuring he’ll play under Jon Scheyer in the 2024–25 season. His decision echoed past Blue Devils stars like Zion Williamson and Paolo Banchero, and he followed through as the next big one-and-done out of Duke.
Cooper Flagg was selected no. 1 overall in the 2025 NBA Draft by the Dallas Mavericks.