The basketball career of the young talent has grown tremendously in its youngest form and further expansion through the NBA is highly expected. Cooper Flagg began as a freshman, grabbing the attention at Newport, Maine where he was awarded the Maine Gatorade Player of the Year. Seeking to explore further spaces as an athlete, the move to Duke University, where he is currently dominating, elevated the skills of the player. Entering the NBA as a highly ranked draft prospect, Flagg’s skills put him in the league of NBA legends.
Cooper Flagg’s journey to being the high ranked prospect
Shooting hoops since freshman days, Cooper Flagg has always stood above the rest with his skills on court gaining the spotlight. Gaining the attention from Maine, Flagg was awarded the Maine Gatorade Player of the Year as a freshman before his transfer to Montverde Academy. Situated in the academy that enlightens upcoming basketball stars, his career as a basketball player was grounded as he was the top prospect for the 2024 recruiting class.
October 2023 marked his journey with Duke University, where he is currently leading the points before his next step to the NBA. Carving his name in Duke’s record book, Cooper Flagg cemented his position with the multiple awards under his name, which include the National Player of the Year and ACC Player of the Year. Entering the NBA with his offence and defence skills, Flagg is assumed to be the first pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, possibly chosen by the Dallas Mavericks.
The outstanding versatile skills and style of Cooper Flagg
Duke University currently benefits from the two-way ability of Cooper Flagg which has been the point grabber thus far. Contributing with his defence skills and the offenses which excel, Flagg has averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.4 steals and 1.4 blocks per game at Duke, taking the team to a season finale with a 35-4 record and competing at the Final Four.
Flagg is well acquainted with the following skill set which makes him elite; great footwork, accurate shooting, and defences that leave the opposing team low on points. Flagg has been compared to former player, Dirk Nowitzki for the historical one-legged fadeaway jumper move. Not intimidated by the big teams, Flagg showed dominance and great adaptability with his practices with Team USA, which occurred prior to the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Cooper Flagg off the basketball court and straight to brand endorsements
Flagg is not only getting the recognition from fans and the NBA, but the interest from brands occurs often. Beginning in Miane before his college basketball journey, the young talent endorsed a shoe deal with New Balance, which is familiar with Flagg’s hometown. New Balance was not just a brand attached with Maine, but the connection flowed to Flagg’s mother who was a regular at the factory store.
Not stopping at New Balance, Gatorade joins the list recruiting Flagg to be the first, men’s college basketball athlete to endorse for them. With further endorsements on the way, Flagg acknowledges former star player, Larry Bird who influenced how Flagg plays the game. With recognition from multiple aspects of his rising career, Cooper Flagg’s presence expands not just as a great basketball player in the NBA but a marketable athlete.
The journey from Maine was one Cooper Flagg worked on to be an outstanding story told as he branches off to being a soon to be NBA star. Highlighting his talent on the court, marketability and eagerness to learn and grow, Flagg stands on foundations that place him on an NBA level. Currently dominating and leading Duke with great offenses and defences, Flagg’s future NBA journey is grounded with comparisons to Dirk Nowitzki and learning from Larry Bird. Acknowledged by brands, New Balance and Gatorade have positioned him as well rounded even off court.
