Cooper Flagg, the 18-year-old forward from Maine, just became the first player in history to … wait a second. He declared for the 2025 NBA Draft, where he was chosen first overall. The Dallas Mavericks, determined to bring the gifted young player to their team in his rookie season, have already signed Flagg to a guaranteed contract. Standing at 6’9”, Flagg’s input as the “anteater” in such a diverse defensive lineup will translate early on. He had as good a collegiate career at Duke University that positions him for amazing success.
That change comes as no surprise, as Flagg has skyrocketed up to the top of this draft board. He’s long been a front-runner ever since he decided to graduate from high school a year in advance. His momentous decision to attend college at the age of 17 was a sign of his drive and preparation for battles on the horizon. At Duke, Flagg averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game, leading the Blue Devils to a Final Four appearance in 2025.
A Dream Realized
The wonder of that moment was overwhelming for Flagg as he considered the magnitude of the day, the biggest milestone in his young life.
“It’s a lot of emotions running through me. This is a day I’ve dreamed about for a long time,” – Cooper Flagg
His stunning journey has been powered by hustle, representational pride and an unshakeable self-belief. Showin’ Out Flagg spoke on the self-motivation and competitive drive that got him to this peak. He emphasized the crucial role that his family and friends have been playing through his journey.
“I think having my family close with me and having a tight circle of people around me to help kind of navigate through everything is going to be really important,” – Cooper Flagg
Support from Home
Cooper Flagg’s success is under the spotlight, but it’s far from exclusively his. He takes the steadfast belief of his home state of Maine with him. He is appreciative of the positive reinforcement he gets from his community. Their support, he says, helped tremendously mold his character.
“I think for me, coming from Maine, it’s a huge part of who I am and what I represent, and I have the whole state behind me, and I feel their support every day,” – Cooper Flagg
Today, his story inspires so many, and communicates arguably the best message you can send—that no matter where you come from, any dream is possible. Flagg’s memoir is an inspiring story of staying power and the strength to overcome that should pair well with summer reading.
“It’s about just sending that message that it doesn’t matter where you’re from, where you grow up. As long as you believe in yourself and really work hard, you can really achieve your dreams,” – Cooper Flagg
Preparing for the NBA
“I was able to take a workout there earlier last week, and it was a great visit,” – Cooper Flagg
After being chosen by the Mavericks, Cooper Flagg officially begins a much-anticipated next chapter in his young career. His elite strength and explosiveness paired with a supportive environment has fantasy fans and analysts buzzing. They wait with bated breath to see how he’ll do on the big stage, in the pros.
