Cooper Flagg’s meteoric rise in the basketball world has captivated fans and analysts alike. From his early days in Newport, Maine, to his standout freshman season at Duke University, Flagg has consistently demonstrated a blend of skill, versatility, and basketball IQ that has drawn comparisons to some of the game’s greats. As the 2025 NBA Draft approaches, the Dallas Mavericks have emerged as the likely destination for this prodigious talent, sparking discussions about his potential to surpass the legacy of Duke legends under Coach Mike Krzyzewski.
Born on December 21, 2006, Flagg’s basketball journey began at Nokomis Regional High School in Maine, where he quickly made a name for himself. His impressive performances led to a transfer to Montverde Academy in Florida, a renowned basketball powerhouse. There, he continued to hone his skills, eventually reclassifying to the 2024 recruiting class to join Duke earlier than initially planned. At Duke, Flagg’s impact was immediate and profound. He led the team in points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks, showcasing his all-around game. His standout performance came on January 11, 2025, when he scored 42 points, grabbed six rebounds, and dished out seven assists in a game against Notre Dame, setting new freshman scoring records for both Duke University and the ACC
Flagg’s accolades during his lone season at Duke were nothing short of extraordinary. He was named the consensus national player of the year and received multiple prestigious awards, including the Lute Olson Award, Julius Erving Award, and NABC Freshman of the Year. These honors underscored his dominance and potential as a future NBA sta
His defensive prowess is equally impressive. Standing 6’9″ with a 7-foot wingspan, Flagg’s ability to guard multiple positions and his shot-blocking skills have been highlighted by scouts and analysts. His agility and understanding of the game allow him to make significant impacts on both ends of the floor, drawing comparisons to elite defenders in the NBA .
Off the court, Flagg’s marketability has been remarkable. Before even stepping onto an NBA court, he secured endorsement deals worth $28 million, surpassing expectations for a player of his age. These partnerships with brands like New Balance and Fanatics not only highlight his appeal but also set the stage for a lucrative professional career
The Dallas Mavericks’ unexpected victory in the 2025 NBA Draft lottery, despite having only a 1.8% chance, positioned them to select Flagg with the first overall pick . This turn of events has generated significant excitement, as Flagg is viewed as a transformative talent capable of elevating the Mavericks to new heights.
Comparisons between Flagg and former Duke players under Coach Mike Krzyzewski are inevitable. Coach K himself has lauded Flagg as the best freshman to ever play for Duke, placing him alongside legends like Grant Hill and Christian Laettner in terms of potential and impact . While Hill and Laettner had illustrious careers, Flagg’s unique skill set and early achievements suggest he has the potential to carve out his own legacy, possibly surpassing the accomplishments of his predecessors.
As Flagg prepares to embark on his NBA journey with the Mavericks, the basketball world watches closely. His combination of talent, work ethic, and marketability positions him to be a cornerstone for the Mavericks and a potential face of the NBA in the coming years. Whether he can surpass the legacy of Duke’s legends remains to be seen, but the foundation for such an achievement is firmly in place.
