Maine native Cooper Flagg is the projected No. 1 pick in the NBA Draft, drawing national attention for his talent.

In a quiet corner of the United States, in the small town of Newport, Maine, a basketball prodigy was born. Now, nearly 18 years later, Cooper Flagg stands on the precipice of NBA stardom — widely projected as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. What began as a childhood dream in a rural gym is now a national story, one that’s captured the attention of scouts, analysts, and fans across the globe.

Cooper Flagg is more than just Maine’s most promising basketball export — he’s a generational talent whose ascent has been nothing short of remarkable.

A Star is Born in Maine

Cooper Flagg’s roots are grounded in small-town America. Born and raised in Newport, Maine, Flagg’s early exposure to basketball came through family. His mother, Kelly Bowman Flagg, played college basketball at the University of Maine, and his twin brother, Ace, also showed promise on the court.

Flagg quickly rose to prominence playing for Nokomis Regional High School, where he led the team to a Class A state championship as a freshman. He averaged over 20 points, 10 rebounds, and multiple blocks and steals per game. By the time he was 15, Flagg was dominating opponents with an ease rarely seen at that level.

But even early on, it was clear he wasn’t just a local star — he was something special.

Reclassification, Montverde Academy, and National Recognition

In 2022, Flagg made the difficult decision to leave Maine and transfer to Montverde Academy in Florida — one of the top basketball prep schools in the nation. The move paid off. Surrounded by elite talent and better competition, Flagg continued to refine his game. He also reclassified to the class of 2024, accelerating his path to college and, ultimately, the NBA.

At Montverde, Flagg averaged a double-double and was named MVP at several elite events, including Nike Peach Jam, NBPA Top 100 Camp, and Team USA’s U17 World Cup run, where he helped lead the team to gold.

The national media began to take notice. ESPN, Rivals, and 247Sports unanimously ranked him as the No. 1 player in the country. Analysts began comparing him to stars like Kevin Durant, Luka Dončić, and even LeBron James for his IQ, versatility, and defensive instincts.

The Duke Chapter

In the fall of 2024, Flagg joined Duke University, a program steeped in tradition and known for producing NBA talent. It didn’t take long for him to make his mark. Flagg became a starter from day one, averaging nearly 20 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 blocks per game.

He had several standout performances, including:

• A 42-point game against Notre Dame, showcasing his scoring ability.

• A near triple-double in the ACC Tournament semifinal.

• Multiple clutch moments, including game-winning plays on both ends of the floor.

Flagg led Duke deep into the NCAA tournament and was named a First-Team All-American, ACC Player of the Year, and the recipient of the Julius Erving Award (given to the nation’s top small forward).

Coaches praised his basketball IQ, ability to guard all five positions, and his unselfish play. NBA teams took notice.

What Makes Cooper Flagg Special?

Flagg isn’t your typical top prospect. Yes, he has the physical tools — 6’9” frame, 7-foot wingspan, elite athleticism — but what separates him is how he thinks the game.

He’s a defensive disruptor, often likened to Draymond Green or Bam Adebayo for his ability to switch, anticipate passes, and contest shots. Offensively, he can run the offense as a point forward, create his own shot, and finish through contact.

Some scouts have said:

“Cooper Flagg doesn’t just make plays. He makes the right plays. Every single time.”
– NBA Eastern Conference scout

“He’s the best two-way high school/college prospect I’ve seen in 10 years.”
– Former NBA GM

Flagg also carries himself with humility. He’s known for being soft-spoken, hardworking, and mature beyond his years.

The Road to the NBA Draft

With the NCAA season behind him and his draft eligibility confirmed, Flagg declared for the 2025 NBA Draft. He is widely projected as the No. 1 overall pick, with teams like the Dallas Mavericks, Washington Wizards, and San Antonio Spurs in position to select him based on lottery results.

At the NBA Combine, Flagg declined scrimmage play — a common move for top picks — but impressed with his shooting, agility, and interview sessions. Executives were wowed not just by his talent, but his composure and team-first mentality.

Flagg also recently signed with New Balance, aligning himself with a brand that connects to his New England roots. It marks one of the most anticipated rookie endorsement deals since Zion Williamson’s.

What He Means to Maine

Maine has never had a No. 1 NBA Draft pick. In fact, very few athletes from the state have ever even reached the NBA. Flagg’s rise has galvanized the region.

High school gyms in Newport still hang banners with his name. His local community, family, and friends have followed his journey with pride. Youth basketball camps now fill up in hours when Flagg is announced as a guest.

Local media outlets refer to him as “Maine’s Hope” and “The Prodigy from Newport.” He’s not just a basketball player — he’s a source of inspiration for an entire state.

The NBA Impact

Depending on where he lands, Flagg is expected to make an immediate impact in the NBA. Teams at the top of the draft see him as a franchise cornerstone — a player who can elevate a team not just through stats but through leadership and elite intangibles.

Whether it’s the rebuilding Wizards, the young-and-talented Spurs, or a shock lottery winner like the Jazz or Hornets, Flagg’s arrival could reshape a team’s trajectory overnight.

He is expected to average double-digit scoring, multiple rebounds, and elite defensive metrics as a rookie. Many believe he could contend for NBA Rookie of the Year and eventually become an All-NBA caliber player.

What’s Next?

All eyes are now on the 2025 NBA Draft, which will be held in Brooklyn. Flagg is already slated to sit at the front table, and his family will be in attendance.

Barring a stunning shake-up, he will be called first — a moment that will not only change his life but stand as a defining point in Maine sports history.

“I’ve always dreamed of this moment,” Flagg said in a recent interview. “But I also know this is just the beginning. I want to be great. I want to win. I want to make everyone back home proud.”

Cooper Flagg’s rise from small-town Maine to national basketball stardom is more than a sports story — it’s a story about perseverance, belief, and the power of chasing big dreams from unlikely places.

As the 2025 NBA Draft approaches, the world is watching. But back in Maine, they already know: Cooper Flagg has arrived — and he’s just getting started.