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 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 No. 1 pick in this year’s NBA draft.
The standout forward and guard became one of the biggest stars in the early stages of March Madness, returning from an ankle injury and leading Duke University to a berth in the Final Four.
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.
Cooper Flagg of Newport is pictured in 2021.
While at Duke, he was named Atlantic Coast Conference player and rookie of the year. He was a unanimous Associated Press All-America Team selection. And he even turned some longtime Duke haters into avid supporters during the NCAA tournament.
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.
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.
After that championship season in Maine, Flagg 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.
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.
From an early age, he has drawn attention from across the state and country.
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.
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.
Khaman Maluach, left, and Cooper Flagg warm up on the court at the 2025 NBA basketball draft combine in Chicago, Tuesday, May 13, 2025. Credit: Nam Y. Huh / BDN
Cooper Flagg (51), Khaman Maluach (14) and Ace Bailey (21) participate at the 2025 NBA basketball Draft Combine in Chicago, Tuesday, May 13, 2025. Credit: Nam Y. Huh / BDN
Cooper Flagg participates at the 2025 NBA basketball Draft Combine in Chicago, Tuesday, May 13, 2025. Credit: Nam Y. Huh / BDN
Cooper Flagg talks to media at the 2025 NBA basketball draft combine in Chicago, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. Credit: Nam Y. Huh / BDN
Flagg is expected to be picked first in tonight’s NBA draft by the Dallas Mavericks. The draft begins at 8 p.m. at Barclays Center in New York. The first round will be available to watch on ABC and ESPN, or on the ESPN app.
