Cooper Flagg Shares His Incredible Journey: From Small-Town Maine to Basketball’s Biggest Stage

The basketball world has been buzzing with the name Cooper Flagg for the past two years, but for the 6-foot-9 phenom from Newport, Maine, the ride from rural gyms to primetime arenas has been nothing short of remarkable. With a maturity well beyond his years and a game that blends tenacity, skill, and poise, Flagg’s story is more than just about basketball—it’s about belief, sacrifice, and a small-town dream realized on the national stage.

Humble Beginnings in Newport

Cooper Flagg’s story begins in Newport, a town with a population of just over 3,000 people nestled in the heart of Maine. With harsh winters and a tight-knit community, Newport isn’t the type of place that churns out basketball prodigies. But Flagg, along with his twin brother Ace, found their passion early.

Raised by basketball-loving parents—his mother, Kelly, was a college player at the University of Maine—the game was in his blood. The boys were taught discipline, hustle, and the value of hard work before they ever made a name for themselves.

“My mom and dad didn’t just teach me the game,” Flagg said in a recent sit-down interview. “They taught me how to respect it.”

Growing up, Flagg would often practice in freezing gyms, putting up thousands of shots and running through drills with his brother by his side. While other kids played video games or scrolled through social media, Cooper and Ace were fine-tuning their footwork, studying old game film, and dreaming about what could be.

National Recognition at a Young Age

It wasn’t long before Cooper Flagg began drawing attention. By the time he was in middle school, his highlight reels—full of chase-down blocks, smooth step-backs, and thunderous dunks—were circulating through social media. Coaches and scouts quickly took notice, and the whispers of “next big thing” turned into full-blown hype by the time he entered Nokomis Regional High School.

As a freshman, Flagg led Nokomis to its first-ever state championship, averaging 20.5 points, 10 rebounds, and 6 assists per game. The buzz surrounding his name skyrocketed after he dominated the Maine high school circuit, showcasing a rare mix of intensity and finesse. He became the first freshman ever to be named Maine Gatorade Player of the Year.

“I still remember walking into that gym and seeing a line out the door just to watch him play,” said Nokomis coach Earl Anderson. “He was a showman but also the hardest worker in the building.”

But Flagg wanted more. He knew that to realize his full potential, he needed to challenge himself against the best.

Montverde Academy and the Big Leap

In 2022, Cooper made the life-changing decision to transfer to Montverde Academy in Florida—one of the premier basketball prep schools in the country. The move wasn’t easy. He was leaving behind his family, friends, and the familiarity of Maine for a national spotlight and a highly competitive environment.

“Montverde was a totally different world,” Flagg recalled. “But it forced me to grow up, to mature fast.”

Montverde had produced NBA talent like Cade Cunningham, Ben Simmons, and D’Angelo Russell. Flagg was now in the same gym with players destined for Division I and professional stardom. He didn’t flinch. In his first season, Flagg averaged double figures and quickly became a fan favorite with his relentless energy, shot-blocking, and ability to take over games on both ends of the floor.

“Most guys that come in with his hype aren’t ready for the grind,” Montverde coach Kevin Boyle said. “But Cooper embraced it. He’s a dog.”

Flagg’s time at Montverde solidified his reputation. He was named to the USA Basketball U17 team and helped lead the squad to a gold medal in the FIBA World Cup. He was dominant on the world stage, averaging 9.3 points, 10 rebounds, and 2.9 blocks per game while playing against top international talent.

Reclassifying and the Duke Decision

In 2023, Cooper made another bold move—he reclassified to the class of 2024, officially making him eligible for the 2025 NBA Draft a year earlier than originally expected. The decision shocked some but made perfect sense to those who had watched his development.

“He’s not just physically gifted,” said one NBA scout. “His basketball IQ is off the charts. He reads the game like a veteran.”

The recruitment battle for Flagg’s commitment was intense. Programs from all over the country pitched their case, but there was one school that always held a special place in his heart—Duke University.

Flagg committed to Duke in the fall of 2023, calling it a “dream come true.” He praised head coach Jon Scheyer’s vision, the school’s winning tradition, and the brotherhood that’s become synonymous with the program.

“From the moment I stepped on campus, I felt something different,” Flagg said. “It wasn’t just about basketball. It was about legacy.”

Instant Impact at Duke

Arriving at Duke in the summer of 2024, expectations couldn’t have been higher. With comparisons to Kevin Durant, Jayson Tatum, and even LeBron James floating around, Flagg walked into Cameron Indoor Stadium with the weight of a program—and maybe the sport—on his shoulders.

He didn’t disappoint.

Flagg averaged 18.9 points, 9.7 rebounds, 3.1 blocks, and 2.4 assists per game as a freshman, leading the Blue Devils to a No. 2 seed in the NCAA Tournament and a trip to the Final Four. His clutch performances, including a 28-point explosion against Kansas in the Elite Eight, became instant classics.

“He has that ‘it’ factor,” said Coach Scheyer. “The bigger the moment, the better he plays. He’s a killer.”

Off the court, Flagg remained grounded. He became a fan favorite not just for his play but for his humility and character. He regularly visited children’s hospitals in Durham, took part in charity events, and stayed connected to his Maine roots.

“Every time I put on that Duke jersey, I’m not just playing for myself,” Flagg said. “I’m playing for every kid who’s ever been told their dreams were too big.”

NBA Future and Beyond

As the 2025 NBA Draft approaches, Cooper Flagg is the projected No. 1 overall pick. Teams are already preparing for the possibility of building their franchise around him. Some have called him the most complete prospect since LeBron James.

But for Flagg, it’s never been about the hype or the headlines.

“My goal is simple—get better every day, be a great teammate, and win,” he said.

Whether it’s in the NBA, at the Olympics, or beyond, one thing is clear: Cooper Flagg’s journey is just getting started.

And he’s bringing Maine with him.

The Legacy Back Home

Back in Newport, Cooper’s rise has become a point of pride for the entire state. His high school gym has been renamed in his honor. His journey is taught in classrooms as a lesson in resilience and vision.

“He put Maine on the basketball map,” said local sportswriter Pete Warner. “He’s proof that you don’t need to come from a big city to have a big dream.”

Even now, Cooper returns home every summer to run youth camps, train with his brother, and remind himself of where it all began.

“I’ll never forget those cold winter nights in the gym, just me, Ace, and a dream,” Flagg said. “That’s still who I am.”

Cooper Flagg is more than a generational talent. He’s the face of a new era in basketball—one that values substance over flash, integrity over ego, and heart over hype.

From the quiet roads of Newport to the deafening roar of packed arenas, his journey has inspired a generation.

And the best part? He’s only getting started.