Cooper Flagg, hailing from Newport, Maine, is on the verge of making history as he is widely expected to be the first overall pick by the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA draft tonight. This monumental event not only marks a personal triumph for Flagg, but also represents a significant achievement for the state of Maine, which has not seen a player selected first in the draft.
Ernie Clark, a veteran sportswriter, recalls his first encounter with Flagg during high school basketball practices, where Flagg and his twin brother Ace immediately captured the attention of their peers and coaches alike. The arrival of these two basketball prodigies sparked immense interest in the sport in their community, especially following the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Flagg’s high school journey began at Nokomis Regional High School, where he quickly made a name for himself, earning accolades such as Maine’s Gatorade Basketball Player of the Year and leading his team to a state championship. His skillset and leadership abilities set a new standard for aspiring players in the area, transforming them into local heroes.
The basketball community has watched Flagg’s ascent with great anticipation. After leading Team USA to a gold medal at the 2022 FIBA U17 World Cup, Flagg continued to shine as a standout player at Montverde Academy in Florida. He graduated early to pursue his dream at Duke University, where he made an immediate impact, earning multiple player of the year awards and a trip to the Final Four.
Throughout his career, Flagg has consistently demonstrated an unparalleled combination of athleticism, basketball intelligence, and teamwork, which has made him a favorite not just in Maine, but across the nation. With averages of 20.5 points and 10.0 rebounds in high school and 19.2 points and 7.5 rebounds in college, his performance speaks to his exceptional talent and work ethic.
While tonight’s draft is poised to celebrate Flagg’s accomplishments, it further symbolizes hope and inspiration for young athletes everywhere, especially those from smaller communities. The journey of Cooper Flagg is not just a personal victory; it is a beacon of ambition and determination, encouraging others to pursue their dreams despite the obstacles they may face. Maine is eager to celebrate its very own basketball sensation as Flagg takes this next big step on the national stage.