At just 18 years old, Cooper Flagg-born December 21, 2006, in Newport, Maine-is poised to become the next big name in professional basketball. Widely projected to be selected first overall in the 2025 NBA Draft, Flagg enters the league with high expectations and comparisons to international phenom Victor Wembanyama, who made his debut in 2023. Barring any last-minute surprises, Flagg is expected to land with the Dallas Mavericks.
His talent and upside were so enticing that multiple NBA franchises reportedly embraced ‘tanking’ strategies-intentionally underperforming in hopes of improving their draft position-to get a shot at drafting him. But, in a surprising twist, those efforts were in vain. The Dallas Mavericks, against the odds, secured the top pick and are now expected to make Flagg the centerpiece of their future.
Maine honors its rising star with symbolic gesture
Playing off the double meaning of Flagg’s surname and the American flag, the state of Maine has declared June 25 as “Flagg Day,” in a tribute that blends local pride with national attention. The symbolic declaration is a show of admiration for a native son whose career is about to take off on basketball’s biggest stage.
After just one season with the Duke Blue Devils in Durham, North Carolina, Flagg is now expected to head to Dallas, where he’ll look to fill the massive void left by Luka Doncic’s move to the Los Angeles Lakers. Replacing a generational talent like Doni won’t be easy, but Flagg’s mix of skill, maturity, and athleticism offers a glimmer of hope to Mavericks fans eager for a resurgence.
Should Dallas select him, Flagg will join a retooled roster that includes Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis-an intriguing trio that could vault the Mavericks back into contention in the Western Conference. While it’s far too early for celebration, the arrival of Flagg offers a much-needed spark of optimism.
Who is Cooper Flagg-and why is the hype so real?
Standing 6-foot-9 and playing as a versatile forward, Flagg is known for his elite combination of athleticism, basketball IQ, and physicality. In his lone season at Duke, he averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.4 blocks per game, dominating on both ends of the floor and showcasing a skillset rarely seen in players his age.
LeBron James himself sang Flagg’s praises earlier this year, calling the young phenom “special” and highlighting a key advantage the Maine native will enjoy at the start of his career:
He’s going to be incredible. He’ll have the privilege that I didn’t-to join an established team.
While many young prospects might buckle under the immense pressure of being a No. 1 overall pick, Flagg doesn’t seem fazed.
I don’t view anything as pressure. I’m not worried about living up to expectations
he said confidently in a recent interview.
Other prospects to watch in the 2025 NBA Draft
Though Flagg will dominate headlines on draft night, two other top-tier prospects are also worth watching:
- Dylan Harper
- Ace Bailey
Both bring unique skills and the potential to become stars in their own right, and could very well be the future faces of their respective franchises.
As the curtain rises on one of the most anticipated draft nights in recent memory, all eyes are on Cooper Flagg-a hometown hero from Maine who’s ready to make his mark on the NBA.
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