“It gives me a lot of confidence”: Cooper Flagg, a Duke star, says he is “blessed” to have such strong hometown support.

Cooper Flagg has rapidly become one of the most talked-about basketball players in the country. The 6’9” forward from Newport, Maine, has taken the college basketball world by storm, showcasing his skills at the highest levels and committing to Duke University as one of the top players in the 2025 class. But beyond his immense talent, Flagg has also garnered attention for the strong sense of community and unwavering support he receives from his hometown. In interviews and media appearances, Flagg has consistently expressed his gratitude for the foundation that his hometown of Newport has provided him throughout his journey. For Flagg, the backing of his local community has been more than just a source of motivation; it has been a powerful confidence booster that continues to fuel his rise in the basketball world.

1. The Cooper Flagg Phenomenon

Cooper Flagg’s story is one of perseverance, hard work, and extraordinary talent. From a young age, it was clear that Flagg was no ordinary basketball player. Growing up in Newport, a small town in central Maine, Flagg had limited access to high-level basketball competition compared to prospects from larger cities. Despite this, his relentless dedication and natural ability allowed him to rise above his circumstances.

Flagg’s basketball IQ, court vision, and versatility quickly became apparent. At just 6’9”, he has the agility of a guard, the skillset of a forward, and the defensive prowess of a shot-blocking center. His combination of size, athleticism, and intelligence allows him to impact the game in virtually every area, whether it’s scoring, defending, or playmaking. As a result, Flagg’s name became known in recruiting circles, eventually earning him the No. 1 spot in the 2025 recruiting class.

He became a star on the national stage, playing for the USA Basketball youth teams and representing his country in international competitions. These performances further solidified his status as one of the top prospects in the country, attracting the attention of college programs across the nation, including some of the most storied basketball programs like Duke, Kentucky, and Kansas.

Flagg ultimately chose to play for Duke University, committing to the Blue Devils in a move that excited not only basketball fans but also his hometown supporters who had followed his journey closely. His decision to join Coach Jon Scheyer’s program was seen as a major milestone in his career, but it also marked a moment of pride for Newport, Maine—a place that has always been his foundation.

2. The Importance of Hometown Support

Cooper Flagg’s rise to basketball prominence hasn’t been achieved in a vacuum. While his talent and work ethic are key drivers of his success, the unwavering support he has received from his hometown community has played a critical role in shaping who he is both on and off the court.

Growing up in a small town like Newport, where basketball is a major point of pride and a shared passion, Flagg has always been able to rely on a supportive and tight-knit group of family, friends, and community members. From his early days on the court, Flagg’s family and local fans were always there to cheer him on, whether he was playing in high school tournaments or representing his country on the international stage. This sense of community has helped Flagg stay grounded, focused, and motivated, regardless of the growing national spotlight surrounding him.

In a 2024 interview, Flagg acknowledged how much the support from his hometown means to him. “It gives me a lot of confidence,” he said, reflecting on how the encouragement of those around him has influenced his mindset. “Knowing that people back home are cheering for me and believing in me makes all the hard work and sacrifice worth it. I feel blessed to have such a strong support system.”

This statement speaks to the deep connection Flagg feels with his roots. The confidence he derives from his hometown support is a key element of his success and has helped him maintain a strong sense of perspective as his basketball career continues to evolve. This reassurance from the people who have watched him grow from a local prospect to a national star has given Flagg the mental toughness and determination to handle the pressures that come with being in the public eye.

3. The Community’s Role in Shaping Flagg’s Character

One of the defining characteristics of Cooper Flagg is his humility and maturity for his age. Despite being considered one of the top basketball prospects in the country, Flagg has maintained a down-to-earth persona that resonates with fans and teammates alike. This quality is something that his hometown community takes great pride in, as it reflects the values and principles that were instilled in him growing up.

In a small town like Newport, it’s not uncommon for families to be deeply involved in one another’s lives. Cooper’s family, including his father Carlos Boozer—an accomplished NBA player—has always been a fixture in the community. With his father being a professional basketball player, Flagg was able to gain insight into the rigors of high-level competition from a young age. However, it’s his humble upbringing in Newport, where people know each other by name and take pride in supporting one another, that has shaped his character and helped him remain focused on his long-term goals.

Flagg’s development as a person and a player has been nurtured by the community around him. Coaches, teachers, and even local residents who have watched Flagg grow up have offered him guidance and mentorship, teaching him the importance of hard work, perseverance, and respect. This guidance, coupled with the strong values of his family, has played a significant role in shaping Flagg into the grounded individual he is today.

4. Hometown Pride: How Newport Supports Flagg

Newport, Maine, is a town of just over 7,000 people, and like many small towns, it’s a place where residents take immense pride in the accomplishments of their local athletes. Flagg’s rise to prominence has turned him into a source of community pride, with many people in Newport following his career every step of the way. The town has embraced him as one of its own, and he has become a symbol of what hard work and determination can achieve, even when faced with the odds of being from a less-recognized basketball hotbed.

The people of Newport take every opportunity to celebrate Flagg’s success, whether it’s a local parade, a community event, or simply showing up to watch him play in national tournaments. Flagg has consistently expressed his appreciation for this support, often taking time to acknowledge the contributions of his hometown in interviews. His deep sense of responsibility to his community is evident in his public statements, where he regularly speaks about how the people of Newport have played a pivotal role in his journey.

As one local resident put it in an interview, “Cooper is more than just a basketball player. He’s a symbol of everything that’s great about our town—hardworking, humble, and always willing to give back. We’ve watched him grow, and now we get to watch him chase his dreams.”

Flagg’s ties to Newport are undeniable, and his success has been a source of inspiration for young athletes in the town who look up to him as a role model. It’s not just his athletic prowess that makes him a hero in Newport; it’s his character, his drive, and his willingness to stay connected to the people who supported him from the very beginning.

5. Confidence on the Court: How Hometown Support Translates to Success

For Cooper Flagg, the support he receives from Newport has translated into confidence and success on the basketball court. Knowing that his community is behind him has helped him develop a mental fortitude that allows him to thrive in high-pressure situations. Whether he’s representing Team USA on the international stage or preparing for his upcoming season at Duke, Flagg knows that he has an entire town cheering him on. This mental support has been an invaluable asset as he navigates the demanding world of elite-level basketball.

Flagg’s confidence is evident in his performances. Whether he’s dominating defensively with his shot-blocking ability, handling the ball with poise, or showcasing his smooth shooting stroke, Flagg has the self-assurance to execute under pressure. This confidence, which has been nurtured by his hometown’s unwavering support, gives him the belief that he can take on any challenge, no matter how difficult.

Furthermore, the people of Newport are not only supportive of Flagg’s basketball career, but they also see his journey as a reflection of the town’s values. For Flagg, it’s not just about playing basketball; it’s about representing the hard work, dedication, and perseverance that Newport stands for. His success is seen as a collective achievement for the town, and that connection only serves to strengthen Flagg’s belief in himself and his abilities.