It’s not every day that a kid from a quiet, coastal town in Maine becomes one of the most talked-about basketball prospects in the country. But Cooper Flagg isn’t your average teenager. At just 17 years old, Flagg has made headlines across the basketball world, capturing the attention of college scouts, NBA legends, and fans alike. His journey from Newport, Maine—a town of less than 2,000 people—to the national spotlight is as inspiring as it is impressive.
Growing up in a sports-loving family, Cooper was dribbling a basketball almost as soon as he could walk. His mother, Kelly, was a standout college basketball player herself, and his twin brother, Ace, shared the same passion for the game. From early on, it was clear that Cooper had something special—an unmatched work ethic, natural talent, and a fierce competitive spirit.
“It all started in my driveway,” Flagg recalls with a smile. “We’d be out there shooting for hours—me, my brother, my mom, my friends. I just fell in love with the game.”
Flagg’s rise began at Nokomis Regional High School, where he made an immediate impact. As a freshman, he led his team to a state championship, averaging double-doubles and dominating on both ends of the floor. His combination of size, skill, and basketball IQ was unlike anything Maine had seen in decades. The highlight reels spread online like wildfire, and suddenly, scouts and fans from across the country knew the name Cooper Flagg.
But Flagg wasn’t content with just dominating the local scene. Seeking higher competition and greater exposure, he transferred to Montverde Academy in Florida, one of the premier basketball programs in the country. The move was a bold one—leaving behind his family, his friends, and everything familiar—but Flagg saw it as a necessary step toward his dream.
“Leaving Maine was tough,” Flagg admits. “But I knew if I wanted to be the best, I had to play against the best. Montverde gave me that opportunity.”
At Montverde, Flagg thrived. He faced off against top prospects daily in practice and consistently rose to the challenge in national tournaments. His versatility—being able to guard every position, score from anywhere on the court, and make smart decisions under pressure—set him apart. By the end of his junior season, he had solidified himself as the No. 1 player in the 2024 class.
What truly makes Flagg special, though, isn’t just his stats or rankings—it’s his mentality. Coaches and teammates describe him as humble, focused, and relentlessly driven. Whether he’s making a game-winning block or diving for a loose ball in a scrimmage, Flagg gives it his all.
“I’m just trying to get better every day,” he says. “I don’t take any of this for granted.”
Now committed to Duke University, Flagg is preparing for the next chapter in his journey. He’s expected to be a transformative player at the college level and a potential No. 1 pick in the NBA Draft down the line. But even as the spotlight grows brighter, Flagg remains grounded.
“I’ll always carry Maine with me,” he says. “That’s where it all started. That’s home.”
Cooper Flagg’s story is one of talent, sacrifice, and relentless pursuit of a dream. From a quiet town in New England to the center of basketball’s biggest conversations, he has shown what’s possible when passion meets purpose. And as his journey continues, one thing is certain—the best is still yet to come.
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