As the 2025 NBA Draft approaches, one name continues to rise above the rest — Cooper Flagg. The 6’9” phenom from Maine, who took the college basketball world by storm during his one year at Duke, is now preparing to take the next step in his already extraordinary journey. In a recent sit-down interview, Flagg opened up about the path that brought him from a small town in New England to the brink of NBA stardom.
“I’ve always dreamed about this,” Flagg said, reflecting on his rapid rise. “But to actually live it — to play at Duke, to now be preparing for the draft — it’s surreal.”
Flagg’s journey began in Newport, Maine, where his rare combination of size, skill, and basketball IQ quickly turned heads. By the time he entered high school, he was already drawing comparisons to NBA greats. But it was his decision to reclassify and commit early to Duke that truly set the stage for his breakout year.
“It was a leap,” he admitted. “But I wanted to challenge myself. Coach Scheyer believed in me from day one, and Duke gave me the platform to grow on and off the court.”
At Duke, Flagg didn’t just meet expectations — he shattered them. Averaging 18.7 points, 8.3 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 2.6 blocks per game, he proved to be a two-way force. He led the Blue Devils to the Final Four and was named ACC Freshman of the Year. His performances were filled with highlight-reel dunks, game-saving blocks, and a maturity well beyond his age.
But it wasn’t just the stats that caught the attention of NBA scouts — it was how Flagg carried himself. “He’s a culture-changer,” one scout said. “He plays hard, communicates on defense, and wants to win. That’s rare.”
In his interview, Flagg acknowledged the pressure that comes with being labeled a potential No. 1 overall pick. “There’s noise, always. Social media, rankings — all of it. But I try to stay grounded. My family helps with that. I just focus on working every day.”
With the draft just weeks away, Flagg is already drawing interest from nearly every team in the lottery. He’s been working out with top trainers, studying film, and refining his game. “The NBA is a whole different level,” he said. “I’m ready to learn, to compete, and to earn everything.”
When asked what kind of player he wants to be in the league, Flagg didn’t hesitate: “Versatile. Reliable. A guy you can build around. I want to make my teammates better, be a leader, and win championships.”
From the courts of Maine to the bright lights of Duke and now to the biggest stage in basketball, Cooper Flagg’s story is just beginning. And if the journey so far is any indication, the best is yet to come. 📈
