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BREAKING NEWS: Duke Blue Devils Rising Star Cooper Flagg Invests $3.3 Million to Transform House Into Shelter for Homeless Youth in Durham, North Carolina
In a heartfelt and headline-grabbing move, Duke Blue Devils basketball phenom Cooper Flagg has announced that he is investing $3.3 million of his NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) earnings to renovate a large residential estate in Durham, North Carolina, converting it into a transitional shelter for homeless youth. This unprecedented act of generosity from the freshman superstar is already drawing national praise and redefining what it means to be a student-athlete in the modern era.
At just 18 years old, Flagg is not only dominating on the basketball court—where he has dazzled NBA scouts, earned national player of the year honors, and led Duke to a deep NCAA Tournament run—but he is also making a profound impact off the court, where his heart for the community is taking center stage.
The renovated estate, located less than 10 minutes from Duke’s campus, will be known as the Flagg House of Hope, a fully functional transitional shelter equipped with living quarters, counseling offices, vocational training rooms, and mentorship programs designed to empower young people aged 14–21 who are experiencing homelessness or aging out of the foster care system.
Flagg, a Maine native who has quickly become a household name in college basketball, explained the motivation behind his generous investment during a press conference on Duke’s campus earlier today.
“I’ve been blessed with opportunities that most people my age can only dream of,” Flagg said. “It didn’t feel right to take all this and not give something meaningful back—especially to the city of Durham that’s shown me so much love. I see kids on the street who just need a second chance, and I want this house to be that second chance.”
Cooper Flagg’s $3.3 million investment marks the largest known philanthropic donation ever made by a college athlete using NIL earnings. Since the NCAA opened the door to NIL deals in 2021, college athletes have signed sponsorships, partnerships, and endorsements with a variety of companies—but Flagg’s decision to use those funds to invest in a long-term social project may be the most profound use yet.
According to multiple sources close to Flagg’s camp, the funding stems from a combination of recent endorsements with national sportswear giants, local community organizations, and a lucrative deal with EA Sports for their upcoming NCAA Basketball video game.
Rather than spending on flashy cars, lavish homes, or social media fame, Flagg instead turned to a cause that has long tugged at his heart.
“Cooper’s always been about more than basketball,” said Duke head coach Jon Scheyer. “He’s got this old soul. What he’s doing here is way beyond basketball, way beyond Duke. This is about legacy. This is about lifting up those who have nothing and giving them hope.”
The city of Durham has been grappling with a youth homelessness crisis over the past several years. According to a 2024 report from the North Carolina Coalition to End Homelessness, Durham County reported over 300 homeless or housing-insecure youth between the ages of 13 and 24—an alarming number that has steadily increased since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Flagg’s announcement was immediately met with overwhelming gratitude from local leaders.
“This is a game-changer,” said Durham Mayor Leonardo Williams. “To see someone of Cooper’s age, stature, and influence making such a mature and impactful decision—it restores your faith in the next generation. This shelter won’t just provide beds. It will provide a future.”
The mayor’s office confirmed it will expedite zoning and permitting processes to allow renovations to begin immediately, with the hope that the Flagg House of Hope will open its doors by early 2026.
The property, a 12,000-square-foot estate once owned by a retired corporate executive, will be completely transformed. Plans revealed during the press conference include:
- Living quarters for up to 24 residents at a time, with separate wings for young men and women.
- On-site therapy and counseling rooms, with staff hired in partnership with the Durham Department of Health and Human Services.
- Job training and academic support rooms, where residents can receive tutoring, GED prep, and resume-building assistance.
- A state-of-the-art kitchen and dining space, to be operated by a culinary mentorship program.
- Basketball and recreation facilities, where Flagg plans to host summer camps, clinics, and mental wellness workshops.
Flagg also announced the formation of the “Hope on the Rise” foundation, a nonprofit organization he’s establishing to fund the shelter’s long-term operations, employ staff, and support expansion efforts in the future.
“This isn’t about a one-time gift,” Flagg explained. “This is about building something that lasts.”
In an emotional moment during the press conference, Kelly joined her son on stage, tears in her eyes as she reflected on how proud she was.
“He’s always had a heart for others,” she said. “Even as a little kid, he’d give his lunch to classmates who didn’t have enough. He’s always seen the people others might overlook.”
Kelly and Cooper also spoke about a childhood teammate in Maine who experienced homelessness as a teenager—someone who Flagg says remains a powerful influence on his life and decision-making.
Reaction around the college basketball world has been swift and emotional. Fellow athletes, coaches, and even NBA players have taken to social media to praise Flagg.
Duke teammate Jared McCain tweeted, “My brother is built different. Love you Coop. You’re changing lives.”
NCAA President Charlie Baker issued a formal statement applauding Flagg’s leadership, stating:
“What Cooper Flagg has done today is nothing short of inspirational. He has set a new standard for student-athletes everywhere—not just in terms of athletic excellence but in terms of civic responsibility and compassion.”
Even LeBron James weighed in, posting on Instagram: “Respect to Cooper Flagg. This is how you use your platform. Salute, young king.”
On the court, Cooper Flagg continues to be one of the most dominant forces in college basketball. Averaging 21.4 points, 8.6 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 2.9 blocks per game, the projected No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft shows no signs of slowing down.
But even with NBA millions likely on the horizon, Flagg is proving that his vision extends far beyond the hardwood.
When asked whether this was a one-time philanthropic effort or the beginning of a larger mission, Flagg didn’t hesitate:
“This is just the start. I want to be known not just for my jump shot or my stats, but for what I did to help people. That’s the legacy I care about.”
In an era where fame and fortune often dominate headlines, Cooper Flagg is choosing a different path—one marked by humility, generosity, and a sincere desire to serve.
His investment into the Flagg House of Hope may be the most powerful assist of his career—not on the court, but in the lives of young people who need it most.
As Durham prepares for the future opening of the shelter, one thing is clear: Cooper Flagg is not just building a basketball legacy—he’s building a movement.
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