The ascendance of Cooper Flagg didn’t happen overnight. Maine basketball fans have watched for years as he has grown from a state champion to arguably the best college basketball player in the country.
The Newport native has risen to great heights in the basketball world, and is expected to be the number one pick in this year’s NBA draft.
The standout forward and guard has become the biggest star in the early stages of March Madness, back from an ankle injury and leading Duke University in its attempt at a national championship.
Cooper Flagg goes up for a slam dunk in the fall of 2021.
Nokomis freshman Cooper Flagg goes up for a shot over Hampden Academy’s Landon Gabric during a preseason game on Dec. 2, 2021.
Ace Flagg, Cooper Flagg and Madden White (left to right) talk on the sideline during a preseason game against Hampden Academy on Dec. 2, 2021.
Nokomis freshman Cooper Flagg drives the ball down court past Hampden Academy’s Nick Johnston during a preseason game on Dec. 2, 2021. At far left is Ace Flagg.
Nokomis’ Cooper Flagg.
Nokomis High School’s Cooper Flagg takes the ball to the hoop through three Falmouth High School defenders during the Maine Class A boys basketball championship game at the Cross Insurance Arena in Portland on Saturday, March 5, 2022.
Through his time at Duke, he’s notched major accomplishments both on and off the court. He was named Atlantic Coast Conference player and rookie of the year. He was a unanimous Associated Press All-America Team selection. And the way he plays the game has even turned some longtime Duke haters into avid supporters, at least for now.
The 6-foot-9 Flagg kicked off his high school career in Maine by leading Nokomis Regional High School to a Class A state title in the 2021-22.
After that championship season in Maine, Cooper and his twin brother Ace Flagg both transferred to Monteverde Academy. They helped lead that Florida school to a Chipotle Nationals title. Cooper Flagg later reclassified, skipping a year of high school to start playing collegiately last fall.
Montverde Academy’s Cooper Flagg dunks the ball during a basketball game at the Portland Expo on Jan. 6, 2024.
Cooper Flagg yells after a play at the Cross Insurance Arena in Portland on Jan. 5, 2024, as the young basketball phenom played one of his final two games in Maine.
Cooper Flagg sets up on defense at the Cross Insurance Arena in Portland on Jan. 5, 2024, while playing one one of his final two basketball games in Maine.
From an early age, he has drawn attention from across the state and country.
Monteverde’s Cooper Flagg #32 is seen against Sunrise Christian during a high school basketball game at the Hoophall Classic, Monday, January 16, 2023, in Springfield, MA. (AP Photo/Gregory Payan)
Montverde’s Cooper Flagg plays against La Lumiere during a high school basketball game at the Hoophall Classic, Saturday, Jan. 14, 2023, in Springfield, Mass.
Monteverde’s Cooper Flagg plays against Sunrise Christian during a high school basketball game at the Hoophall Classic, Monday, Jan. 16, 2023, in Springfield, Mass.
At 15, Flagg was ranked as the No. 3 boys basketball player nationally in the Class of 2025 by ESPN. He received multiple offers from top college programs across the country before deciding to attend Duke. He has accomplished feat after feat during this freshman season, leading Duke in all five major statistical categories and setting a record with 12 ACC Rookie of the Week honors.
Duke forward Cooper Flagg cuts the net after their win against Louisville after an NCAA college basketball game in the championship of the Atlantic Coast Conference tournament, Saturday, March 15, 2025, in Charlotte, N.C.
Duke’s Cooper Flagg (2) gestures after making a three-point shot during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Illinois Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025, in New York.
Duke’s Cooper Flagg (2) reacts after a dunk during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Notre Dame in Durham, N.C., Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025.
Duke guard Cooper Flagg, right, attempts to get past Louisville guard J’Vonne Hadley, left, during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in Louisville, Ky., Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024.
Duke’s Cooper Flagg (2) dunks during the second half of an NCAA college basketball charity exhibition game against Arizona State in Durham, N.C., Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024.
Duke guard Cooper Flagg (2) looks to drive on Kentucky forward Andrew Carr (7) during the college basketball game between the Kentucky Wildcats and the Duke Blue Devils on Nov. 12, 2024, at State Farm Arena Hank in Atlanta, GA.
Flagg has shown throughout his career that the most important stat is wins. Duke is now 32-3 overall so far this season, and is a No. 1 seed in the NCAA tournament. Flagg and the Blue Devils won their opening round game against No. 16 seed Mount St. Mary’s 93-49 on Friday. They will play Baylor at 2:40 p.m. on Sunday in Raleigh, North Carolina.
BDN editor Matt Junker contributed to this report.
