After Breaking Records at Duke, a Maine Town Honors Its Star With a Statue and Other Honors, Marking Cooper’s Immortalization
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In a celebration steeped in emotion, pride, and gratitude, the small town of Newport, Maine, has etched its name in basketball history once again—this time not for what happened on a court, but for what now stands at the heart of its town square. A bronze statue, ten feet tall and gleaming under the April sun, now immortalizes Duke Blue Devils sensation Cooper Flagg, the hometown hero who shattered records, captivated the nation, and reminded everyone that greatness can be born in the unlikeliest of places.
The statue, unveiled in front of hundreds of fans, family members, and media, is just one of many tributes the town is dedicating to Cooper, who many are now calling the most iconic basketball player to ever emerge from the Pine Tree State. From a renamed high school gymnasium to a scholarship fund in his honor, Cooper’s legacy is being cemented in every corner of the community that raised him.
Cooper Flagg’s journey is the stuff of sports folklore. Born and raised in Newport, population just under 3,300, he quickly became a standout at Nokomis Regional High School. His high school career catapulted him into the national spotlight when he transferred to Montverde Academy and later committed to Duke University. The rest, as they say, is history.
During his time at Duke, Cooper Flagg made headlines almost weekly. He broke the university’s freshman scoring record, recorded multiple triple-doubles, and led the Blue Devils to their first national championship since 2015. His combination of height, agility, court vision, and basketball IQ made him not only a college star but also a projected No. 1 pick in the upcoming NBA Draft.
Saturday’s statue unveiling was a scene of pure joy and reverence. Local schoolchildren wore Duke jerseys with Flagg’s number, and several area businesses offered “Flagg Specials,” from coffee shops selling “Cooper Capps” to diners serving “Maine Slam Breakfasts.”
Newport town officials worked with local artists and former Duke teammates to create a sculpture that captured Cooper in motion—mid-dribble, eyes fixed on the basket, exuding the intensity and poise that became his trademark.
“This isn’t just a statue. It’s a symbol,” said Newport Mayor Carla Jenkins. “It represents the pride of our town, the dreams of our youth, and the reality that someone from a small Maine town can go out and conquer the world.”
Cooper himself was present for the unveiling, arriving with his parents, twin brother Ace, and other family members. Taking the stage amid chants of “Coo-per! Coo-per!” he appeared humbled and emotional.
“I wouldn’t be standing here if it weren’t for Newport,” he said. “This town taught me how to fight, how to dream, and how to stay grounded. To be honored like this, by the people who knew me before anyone else did, means more than I can say.”
He went on to thank his high school coaches, mentors, and childhood friends, many of whom were in the crowd. His speech ended with a heartfelt tribute to his late grandfather, who used to take him to local rec league games as a child.
In addition to the statue, several honors were announced during the event:
- The Cooper Flagg Athletic Center – Nokomis Regional High School officially renamed its gymnasium, a place where Cooper scored his first 1,000 points, after him.
- Annual Cooper Flagg Day – The town of Newport designated April 20th as “Cooper Flagg Day,” a local holiday to be celebrated each year.
- Flagg Future Stars Fund – A new scholarship initiative will provide financial assistance to student-athletes from Maine pursuing collegiate athletics.
- Welcome Signs – New town signs on Route 2 now read: “Welcome to Newport: Home of Cooper Flagg.”
The basketball community responded with enthusiasm and admiration. Duke Head Coach Jon Scheyer called it “a fitting tribute for a generational talent and an even better human being.” NBA stars like Jayson Tatum and Kevin Durant congratulated Cooper on social media, and LeBron James posted, “This kid’s journey is only beginning. Salute to Maine for showing love.”
The unveiling has not only drawn attention to Cooper’s accomplishments but has also injected new energy into the local economy and community spirit. Newport businesses reported a surge in sales over the weekend, and local tourism officials are preparing for an influx of visitors hoping to see the statue and explore Cooper’s roots.
Local youth sports programs have also seen a spike in enrollment. “There’s a renewed belief,” said Nokomis basketball coach Josh Stevens. “Kids now say, ‘If Cooper did it, maybe I can too.’ That belief is priceless.”
As Cooper Flagg prepares to declare for the NBA Draft, his story continues to inspire. Though his future is likely to involve bright lights and big cities, Newport will always be home.
“No matter where I go,” Cooper said, looking out at the crowd one last time, “I’ll carry Newport with me. You all are part of every bucket, every win, every dream. Thank you for believing in me before the world knew my name.”
And with that, the town of Newport roared in approval, not just for a basketball player, but for one of their own—a symbol of perseverance, potential, and pride.