Back when he was 13, Cooper Flagg was already a standout, a 6-foot-6 eighth-grader in Newport, Maine, throwing down dunks and outmatching his peers with ease. The game felt too simple, so his trainer, Matt MacKenzie, decided to raise the bar by pitting Flagg against older, tougher competition. This challenge shaped Flagg’s journey, eventually landing him at Montverde Academy, where he achieved a perfect 33-0 record in his second season. Still, he craved more. In August 2023, Flagg reclassified to graduate high school a year early and head to Duke to challenge himself further.
Why Flagg Reclassified: A Mother’s Wisdom
Flagg’s decision to skip his final year of high school wasn’t just about talent; it was also about mindset. His mom’s advice stuck with him: “If you’re the best player in the gym, then you need to find a new gym.” This philosophy motivated him to seek out greater challenges, ultimately leading him to jump to college early. He started his Duke career at 17, making him the second-youngest player in college hoops last season.
In his only season with the Blue Devils, he was a dominant player, leading Duke in all his statistical categories while averaging 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.4 blocks per game. Regarded as the nation’s top player, he led Duke to a 35-4 record. He is now poised to become the No. 1 pick in Wednesday’s NBA draft and could be the second youngest in history behind LeBron James in 2003.
His freshman year? Nothing short of incredible. He joined an elite group-alongside Zion Williamson, Anthony Davis, and Kevin Durant-as one of the few freshmen to receive AP Player of the Year honors.
“I looked at what was left for me in high school and how it would make me better,” he told reporters on Tuesday. “I knew it was time to step into a new space and grow.” Everything points to him teaming up with Davis in Dallas next season as they chase that same hunger for growth in the NBA.
Flagg’s Fit in Dallas: Moving Beyond the Doncic Trade
For Dallas Mavericks fans still reeling from the midseason trade of Luka Doncic, Flagg’s likely selection as the first overall pick could provide the spark the team needs. The Mavs aren’t starting from scratch, either. Kyrie Irving’s three-year contract extension keeps him with the team, Anthony Davis will return from injury, and the team has a solid supporting cast, including Derek Lively, Klay Thompson, P.J. Washington, Max Christie, and Daniel Gafford.
Flagg’s dynamic play could usher in a new era, offering fans a fresh star to rally behind. In a stacked Western Conference, this retooled roster has what it takes to compete. Flagg’s ability to rise to the occasion could make Dallas a contender again and give fans a reason to look forward, not back. Remember, the first round of the draft begins at 8:00 p.m. ET, and the second round takes place the following evening, June 26, at 8:00 p.m. ET.
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