Cooper Flagg is a 18-year-old American professional basketball player who was selected as the first overall pick in the 2025 NBA draft by the Dallas Mavericks. He played college basketball for the Duke Blue Devils as a freshman, earning numerous accolades, including
Cooper Flagg is a name that basketball fans across the globe have become familiar with over the last few years. This 18-year-old American basketball prodigy was selected as the first overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft by the Dallas Mavericks, a remarkable achievement that places him at the top of the basketball world even before his first NBA game. Flagg’s journey to this point has been one of exceptional skill, determination, and constant improvement—traits that have earned him comparisons to some of the NBA’s greatest talents, and placed him firmly in the spotlight as one of the most hyped young players to enter the league in recent years.
Before his meteoric rise to the NBA, Flagg’s basketball career was marked by a series of impressive performances, both on the national stage and internationally. His high school career at Montverde Academy and his one season at Duke University helped catapult him into NBA stardom. However, it’s his unique combination of talent, work ethic, and mentality that truly sets him apart from the rest of the 2025 draft class.
In this article, we will take a deep dive into Flagg’s early career, his rise to prominence, his freshman year at Duke, and his selection by the Dallas Mavericks. This will include a look at his playing style, key attributes, and why he is considered one of the most exciting prospects in recent memory.
Cooper Flagg’s Early Years: From Maine to National Fame
Cooper Flagg’s story begins in Newport, Maine, where he was born on December 21, 2006. Growing up in a small town in New England, Flagg did not have the same access to elite basketball programs as players from major metropolitan areas. However, that didn’t stop him from developing his game. He spent his early years honing his skills on local courts, where he quickly became known for his athleticism, basketball IQ, and determination to improve.
Flagg’s journey toward basketball stardom truly began to take shape during his high school years. He started his high school career at Nokomis Regional High School in Maine, where he quickly made a name for himself as one of the top players in the state. His standout performances on the court during his freshman and sophomore years caught the attention of college scouts and analysts, who began to track his progress closely. Flagg’s high school success wasn’t just limited to individual accomplishments; he helped lead his team to multiple state championships and established himself as one of the top players in the region.
Recognizing the need to compete at a higher level to continue his development, Flagg made the decision to transfer to the prestigious Montverde Academy in Florida. Montverde, a powerhouse basketball program, has been home to numerous NBA stars, including current and future legends like Ben Simmons, RJ Barrett, and Cade Cunningham. At Montverde, Flagg’s game took on new dimensions. He was able to compete against some of the best high school talent in the country, further polishing his skills and showcasing his versatility.
Flagg’s first year at Montverde saw him playing alongside other top prospects, which allowed him to refine his game and adjust to a more competitive environment. His ability to dominate on both ends of the floor—whether it was scoring, passing, defending, or rebounding—made him a standout. His defense, in particular, became one of his defining traits. His ability to guard multiple positions, combined with his shot-blocking prowess and exceptional timing, made him a nightmare for opposing teams. Whether it was guarding smaller, quicker players on the perimeter or locking down post players in the paint, Flagg showed he had the defensive skills to dominate at a high level.
Cooper Flagg’s Freshman Year at Duke
Following a stellar high school career, Flagg committed to playing college basketball for the Duke Blue Devils, a program known for producing top-tier NBA talent year after year. The decision to play for Duke was one that made a lot of sense for Flagg, given Coach Jon Scheyer’s emphasis on developing players with the skills to succeed in the NBA. As a freshman in the 2024-2025 season, Flagg quickly became one of the most highly anticipated players in college basketball.
Flagg’s freshman season at Duke was nothing short of spectacular. He earned numerous accolades throughout the year, including All-ACC honors and recognition as one of the top defensive players in the conference. He averaged 17.4 points, 9.2 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 2.5 blocks per game, demonstrating his ability to impact nearly every aspect of the game. His versatility was on full display, as he could score in a variety of ways, whether it was hitting mid-range jumpers, finishing at the rim, or knocking down three-pointers. Additionally, Flagg’s basketball IQ and decision-making stood out, as he displayed a level of maturity and composure far beyond his years.
On the defensive end, Flagg was a force to be reckoned with. His ability to block shots, disrupt passing lanes, and defend one-on-one against some of the best players in the country made him a true two-way threat. His elite shot-blocking ability, combined with his quick reflexes and anticipation, earned him comparisons to some of the league’s top defenders, including Rudy Gobert and Kawhi Leonard. His motor never stopped running, and his commitment to playing on both ends of the floor was one of the key reasons why Duke had such a successful season during his one year in college.
While Flagg’s offensive game was already advanced, it was his defensive skills that set him apart and made him an obvious choice for the NBA scouts who closely followed his every move. He was often tasked with guarding the opponent’s best player, and his ability to make game-changing defensive plays was a major factor in Duke’s success. His performances in high-stakes games, including the ACC Tournament and the NCAA Tournament, solidified his status as one of the top prospects in the 2025 NBA Draft.
By the end of his freshman year, it was clear that Cooper Flagg was a special talent, one that would be ready for the next level. His skill set and versatility were tailor-made for the NBA, and many analysts expected him to be a top pick in the 2025 Draft. His freshman year at Duke allowed him to gain invaluable experience and prepare for the rigors of professional basketball.
Cooper Flagg’s Selection by the Dallas Mavericks
On June 25, 2025, Cooper Flagg was selected by the Dallas Mavericks as the first overall pick in the NBA Draft, a moment that marked the culmination of years of hard work and dedication. The Mavericks, led by superstar Luka Dončić, have been building a championship-contending team, and Flagg was seen as the perfect addition to help elevate the squad. With his combination of size, athleticism, skill, and defensive prowess, Flagg was a natural fit for the Mavericks’ system.
Dallas was eager to add a player who could contribute immediately on both ends of the floor, and Flagg’s ability to guard multiple positions, score from anywhere on the court, and fit seamlessly alongside Dončić made him an ideal choice. Flagg’s skill set also complements Dončić’s playmaking ability. While Luka is a dominant ball handler and scorer, Flagg’s ability to play off the ball, set screens, and create opportunities through his defense will be invaluable.
Flagg’s selection as the top overall pick is a testament to his incredible talent and potential. With his unique blend of skills, he is expected to have an immediate impact on the NBA. His ceiling is sky-high, and his combination of defense, scoring, and basketball IQ positions him to be a future superstar in the league. Mavericks fans are ecstatic about the future, as Flagg’s arrival brings new hope for the team’s aspirations of returning to the NBA Finals.
What makes Cooper Flagg such an intriguing prospect is his unique combination of size, athleticism, and skill. Standing 6’8” with a 7’0” wingspan, Flagg has the physical tools to excel on both ends of the floor. He is a tremendous defender, capable of guarding nearly every position on the court. His shot-blocking ability is elite, and his timing and positioning make him a consistent presence around the rim. In addition to his defense, Flagg has the offensive game to make an impact. His shooting ability, including his three-point range, makes him a threat from anywhere on the floor.
Flagg’s offensive game is often described as “positionless,” meaning that he can contribute as both a forward and a guard, depending on the needs of his team. His ball-handling and passing ability allow him to run the offense and create opportunities for his teammates. His high basketball IQ helps him read defenses and make the right decisions, whether it’s scoring, passing, or facilitating for others.
While his offense is already impressive, it is his defense that truly sets him apart. Flagg’s ability to alter shots, defend the pick-and-roll, and switch across multiple positions makes him a rare two-way player with elite potential. His ability to disrupt passing lanes and defend in space has drawn comparisons to players like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Kawhi Leonard.
Cooper Flagg’s selection as the first overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft is just the beginning of what promises to be an incredible journey in professional basketball. With his elite combination of skill, athleticism, and defense, Flagg is poised to make an immediate impact in the NBA, especially with a team like the Dallas Mavericks, which already has one of the league’s most talented players in Luka Dončić.
Flagg’s potential to be a future NBA superstar is undeniable, and his time at Duke only strengthened his already impressive skill set. As he makes his transition to the NBA, all eyes will be on Cooper Flagg as he looks to carve out his legacy in the league. Whether it’s through his lockdown defense, clutch scoring, or leadership on the court, Flagg has the tools to become one of the game’s top players, and basketball fans everywhere are eager to see what the future holds for this young, talented star.
