An oral biography of Duke star Cooper Flagg’s ascent to fame in Maine during the early years of his domination

Cooper Flagg’s rise to basketball prominence is a story that transcends the borders of his home state, Maine, capturing the attention of the nation and transforming him into one of the most highly regarded young basketball players of his generation. From his early days playing in Maine’s smaller gyms to becoming a national sensation and one of the most coveted high school recruits in the country, Flagg’s journey is a tale of determination, skill, and a relentless drive for greatness. In this oral biography, friends, family, coaches, and Flagg himself recount the story of his rise to fame and the experiences that have shaped him into the Duke star he is today.

The Early Years: A Family Legacy

Cooper Flagg was born into a basketball family. His father, Chris Flagg, played the game at a high level, and his mother, Erin, was a former athlete as well. From a young age, Cooper was surrounded by basketball and taught to appreciate the game’s fundamentals, both on and off the court. The Flagg family was not just focused on sports for the sake of competition; they saw basketball as an avenue for character development and a way to instill discipline and a strong work ethic.

Chris Flagg (Cooper’s Father):
“We always had a basketball hoop in the backyard, and Cooper was always out there. From the time he could walk, he was dribbling a ball. I didn’t push him into the game, but it was in his blood. He had an innate understanding of how the game worked. You could see the passion in him early on.”

Erin Flagg (Cooper’s Mother):
“It wasn’t just about scoring points for him. Even as a little kid, he understood the game beyond the box score. He was always asking questions—Why did that play work? What could we have done differently? I think that’s what set him apart early on.”

Cooper’s love for basketball wasn’t just nurtured by his parents but also by the tight-knit basketball community in Maine. While Maine may not have the same basketball culture as some other states, the Flagg family quickly became a fixture in local gyms. Cooper started playing organized basketball at a young age, impressing everyone with his natural talent and his ability to adapt to different playing styles. But it wasn’t just his raw talent that made him stand out—it was his relentless work ethic.

Steve Collins (Cooper’s First Coach):
“Cooper’s rise wasn’t by accident. He worked tirelessly. From the moment he started playing, you could see how dedicated he was. He didn’t just show up to games; he spent hours in the gym refining his skills, working on his shot, his defense, and his basketball IQ. His focus was exceptional for someone so young.”

High School: A Rising Star in Maine

Flagg’s high school career began at Nokomis Regional High School in Newport, Maine, where he quickly gained attention for his dominance on the court. In his first season as a freshman, he was already playing at a level that far surpassed his peers. His ability to score from anywhere on the court, his sharp defensive instincts, and his versatility caught the eyes of local coaches and fans alike.

Scott Farris (Nokomis Head Coach):
“Cooper was a freshman, but he played like someone who had been in high school basketball for years. He didn’t try to do too much, but he had a feel for the game that you rarely see in young players. His court awareness, his ability to read the game, it was like he was playing chess while everyone else was playing checkers.”

Despite the fact that Nokomis wasn’t traditionally known as a basketball powerhouse, Flagg quickly turned it into a force to be reckoned with. He led his team to multiple championships and established himself as one of the top players in the state, even as a freshman. It didn’t take long for college scouts and national media to start taking notice.

Jon Saunders (Recruiting Analyst):
“We started hearing whispers about Cooper when he was just a freshman. By his sophomore year, he was no longer just a local star—he was a national one. He had all the tools: size, skill, versatility, and a high basketball IQ. It was clear that he was something special.”

As his high school career progressed, so did his dominance on the court. His performances at various AAU events and national showcases only solidified his reputation. However, it wasn’t just his physical attributes—his understanding of the game and his approach to leadership set him apart from other top prospects.

Cooper Flagg:
“Growing up in Maine, there weren’t a lot of distractions. Basketball was my focus, and I knew that if I worked harder than everyone else, I could stand out. I had great teammates who pushed me, but I was always trying to get better every day. I wasn’t satisfied with being good; I wanted to be great.”

A Breakout Moment: The AAU Circuit and National Recognition

Cooper Flagg’s rise truly took off after he started competing in national AAU tournaments. It was here that he started playing against the best young players from around the country, and his name began to circulate in national basketball circles. Flagg’s performances at events like the Nike EYBL (Elite Youth Basketball League) helped elevate his status and make him a top recruit. Scouts were blown away by his ability to guard multiple positions, his scoring versatility, and his leadership on the floor.

Kevin Boyle (Cooper’s AAU Coach):
“Cooper was one of those rare players who could dominate the game on both ends of the floor. He could play point guard, forward, or center if you needed him to. What really set him apart was his ability to control the tempo of the game and get his teammates involved. That’s not something you see every day in players his age.”

Jon Saunders (Recruiting Analyst):
“His breakout moment came at an AAU event in Indianapolis. He took over the game in a way that was almost unreal for a player of his age. He was shooting the ball from deep, blocking shots, and making plays for his teammates. From that point on, everyone knew who Cooper Flagg was.”

Flagg’s ability to perform under pressure in these national events only added to his growing legend. By the time his sophomore year rolled around, he was already being talked about as one of the top recruits in the country. He received scholarship offers from virtually every major program, including Duke, Kansas, and Kentucky.

Choosing Duke: The Next Step in His Journey

After years of dominating the competition in Maine, Flagg was faced with one of the biggest decisions of his young career: where to play at the next level. While he was highly sought after, it was Duke University that ultimately won out. Flagg’s decision to commit to Duke was a reflection of the program’s winning tradition, its coaching staff, and the opportunity to compete at the highest level of college basketball.

Mike Krzyzewski (Duke Head Coach at the time of Flagg’s commitment):
“Cooper is the type of player that every program dreams of. He’s a winner. He has a rare combination of skills, and his ability to elevate those around him is something special. I saw in him the potential to not only help our team win but to be a leader from day one.”

Jon Scheyer (Duke Head Coach, succeeding Coach K):
“Cooper was a game-changer. We knew his potential from the moment we saw him. His ability to impact the game in so many ways—on both ends of the floor—was something we were excited to develop further. We’ve seen so many great players come through Duke, but Cooper’s basketball IQ and leadership make him unique.”

For Flagg, Duke represented not just the opportunity to play for a storied program, but also the chance to grow as a player and a leader.

Cooper Flagg:
“I chose Duke because it’s a place where I knew I could grow and challenge myself every day. The coaches, the players, the competition—everything about Duke felt like the right fit. I wanted to be part of something bigger than myself, and I felt that’s what Duke could offer.”

The Impact of Maine: Roots and Family

While Flagg’s rise to prominence has taken him to the national stage, he has never forgotten his roots in Maine. The small-town mentality, the tight-knit basketball community, and the lessons instilled by his family have remained at the core of his identity.

Chris Flagg (Cooper’s Father):
“Maine taught Cooper a lot about humility. It’s a smaller state, so everyone knows you, and you’re always representing where you come from. Cooper has never taken his success for granted. He’s always remembered where he came from and the people who helped him along the way.”

Cooper Flagg:
“Growing up in Maine made me who I am. The people here are so supportive, and there’s a real sense of community. That’s something I’ll never forget, no matter where basketball takes me. I want to keep representing Maine in everything I do.”