Cooper Flagg Speaks Out: From Humble Beginnings to Hoops Royalty — The Journey That Shocked the Nation
When Cooper Flagg first picked up a basketball in the small town of Newport, Maine, few could have predicted the seismic shift he would bring to the sport. But from the moment he stepped onto the hardwood, it was clear — this kid was different. Now, as one of the most hyped prospects in recent basketball history, Flagg is finally opening up about the journey, the pressure, and the passion that’s fueled his meteoric rise.
“I just wanted to hoop,” Flagg says, reflecting on his early years. “I didn’t think it would turn into this.”
“This” being a full-blown national spotlight, a commitment to Duke, and serious talk of becoming the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.
Flagg’s ascent began at Nokomis Regional High School, where as a freshman, he wasn’t just good — he was dominant. Averaging 20.5 points, 10 rebounds, and 6.2 blocks per game, he led Nokomis to its first-ever Class A state championship. That performance, paired with an intensity and maturity rare in a 14-year-old, quickly had college coaches and scouts buzzing.
But Flagg wasn’t content with local success.
In 2022, he transferred to Montverde Academy in Florida, one of the top prep basketball programs in the country. It was a bold move — leaving home, family, and comfort for a chance to play against the best. “I knew I had to step out of my comfort zone,” Flagg admits. “Iron sharpens iron.”
At Montverde, Flagg thrived. He faced elite competition daily and didn’t just survive — he excelled. His shot-blocking instincts, court vision, and improved perimeter game turned heads. Suddenly, the 6’9″ forward with guard-like skills wasn’t just the best in his class — he was the face of the future.
He made national waves during the Nike EYBL circuit, where he not only competed but often outclassed some of the country’s top talent. Then came his standout performances at USA Basketball junior camps, where his defensive prowess and basketball IQ earned high praise from coaches and NBA scouts alike.
But it wasn’t just the numbers or the highlight reels — it was how he carried himself. Flagg’s relentless work ethic and team-first mentality quickly became his signature. Coaches praised his willingness to make the extra pass, take the big shot, or guard the opponent’s best player.
In October 2023, Flagg officially reclassified to the class of 2024 and committed to Duke University — a program known for producing NBA stars and embracing pressure. “Duke felt like the right place,” he says. “It’s a place where I can grow as a player and a person.”
With his senior year in full swing and NBA scouts closely watching his every move, Flagg stays focused on the game he loves. “I’m grateful for everything,” he says. “But I still feel like I’ve got so much more to prove.”
From the gym floors of Maine to the national spotlight, Cooper Flagg’s story is still being written. But one thing’s clear — he’s not just chasing greatness.
He’s becoming it.