Maine Town Honors Its Star with a Statue and Other Tributes, Marking Cooper Flagg’s Immortalization
In the heart of Newport, Maine, a celebration like no other unfolded this past weekend. The entire town came together—not just to honor an athlete, but to immortalize a hometown hero whose rise from local courts to national stardom has become the stuff of legend.
Cooper Flagg, the phenom who broke records and captivated college basketball fans during his breakout season at Duke University, returned home to a hero’s welcome. In a moving tribute to his achievements and influence, Newport unveiled a life-sized bronze statue of Flagg in front of Nokomis Regional High, where his journey began.
At just 18 years old, Flagg has become one of the most talked-about prospects in recent college basketball history. After leading Duke to the NCAA Final Four and setting new records in blocks, rebounds, and points for a freshman, Flagg’s name has been etched in the annals of Blue Devil lore. But for the people of Newport, he’s more than a future NBA star—he’s one of their own.
The statue, crafted by renowned sports sculptor Thomas Jayden, captures a moment that defined Flagg’s style—a gravity-defying dunk, legs stretched mid-air, the ball clutched with power and grace. Below the statue, a plaque reads: “From Newport to the Nation—A Legend in the Making.”
“It’s surreal,” Flagg said during the unveiling ceremony, holding back emotion. “To be honored like this, here, in the place where I first picked up a basketball—it means everything.”
The event drew thousands of spectators, including local families, high school teammates, Duke fans from across the Northeast, and even NBA scouts hoping to catch a glimpse of the rising star. Maine Governor Janet Mills declared April 21st as “Cooper Flagg Day” across the state, noting in her speech that Flagg is not only an elite athlete, but a symbol of Maine’s resilience and pride.
“Cooper shows that greatness doesn’t come from where you start, but from how hard you work and how much heart you put into your journey,” Governor Mills said. “He’s shown every kid in Maine that dreams are valid, no matter where you’re from.”
Beyond the statue, the town also unveiled a newly renovated gymnasium named “Flagg Arena,” outfitted with a Hall of Fame-style display that chronicles his journey—from grainy high school highlights to ESPN coverage at Cameron Indoor Stadium. A scholarship fund, the “Flagg Future Leaders Award,” was also established in his name to support student-athletes from rural Maine pursuing higher education.
Flagg didn’t let the moment go to waste. The next morning, he hosted a free basketball clinic for over 200 kids at his old high school, signing autographs, giving tips, and reminding young athletes to chase their goals fearlessly.
“Basketball has given me so much,” he said. “If I can inspire even one kid here to believe in themselves, then I’ve already won.”
With the NBA Draft looming and experts projecting him as a potential No. 1 overall pick, Cooper Flagg’s story is far from over. But here in Newport, his legend is already cast in bronze—and in the hearts of every Mainer who watched one of their own rise to greatness.