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Cooper Flagg is one of the most publicized prospects in the NBA’s recent history, but he says that the beateering was not always there.
The Duke phenomenon and the n ° 1 choice planned in the next draft of the NBA told the Associated Press that, growing up, he was told that he would never reach his basketball goals.
Flagg said the doubts were due to where he came from.
“Growing up in Maine, there are people who told me that I would never be able to go to the next level or play basketball from division I because I come from Maine and no one plays there,” said Flagg. “I think this message does not matter where you come from, as long as you work hard and trust yourself and trust your capacity, so you can really do anything.”
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Duke’s Cooper Flagg wipped his face at a press conference after Duke lost against Houston in the national semi-final on April 5, 2025, in San Antonio. (AP photo / Eric Gay)
Very few basketball stars came from Maine. Miami Heat player Duncan Robinson was born in Maine, but he grew up in New Hampshire and was not recovered during the 2018 draft.
The most eminent player to get out of Maine was the former Olympic gold medalist Jeff Turner, who played to Vanderbilt in the early 1980s and played in the NBA from 1984 to 1996. But he was outside the NBA from 1986 to 1989 while playing in Italy.
Flagg should become the most talented basketball player to get out of the state of his story.
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Duke’s Cooper Flagg reacts on the bench after being accidentally struck in the face during the first half of a match against Florida State in Durham, NC, on March 1, 2025. (AP photo / ben mckeown)
Flagg led Duke this season in almost all statistical categories, including points (709), rebounds (278), assists (155), flights (52) and blocks per game (1.4). He collected on average 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.4 blocks and 1.4 interceptions, but his best broadcast was in January when he established an ACC first year record with a performance of 42 points against Notre-Dame.
Flagg closed the year with an appearance in the semi-finals in the NCAA tournament and was appointed winner of the prize for the year Naismith 2025, becoming the fourth recruit to win this honor.
Duke Blue Devils Cooper Flagg’s goalkeeper before a match against Syracuse Orange at JMA Wireless Dome. (Imagn)
“No matter where you come from,” said Flagg on Wednesday during the project combination. “If you have a goal, if you have a dream and you get your mind … I mean, honestly, for me, it’s not real until I am in high school, but I have always liked basketball game. I have always put the work. I have always wanted to be the best I can be.”
The Dallas Mavericks should write Flagg after winning the first choice in the NBA 2025 recovery lottery.
