Cooper Flagg is an American basketball player who currently plays for the Duke Blue Devils in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). Born on December 21, 2006, in Newport, Maine, he stands 6 feet 9 inches tall and weighs 205 pounds, playing primarily as a shooting guard or small forward.
Early Life and Education
Flagg began his high school career at Nokomis Regional High School in Newport, Maine, where as a freshman, he became the first player to win the Maine Gatorade Player of the Year award. He averaged 20.5 points, 10 rebounds, 6.2 assists, 3.7 steals, and 3.7 blocks per game, leading his team to the Class A state championship.
After his freshman year, Flagg transferred to Montverde Academy in Florida, where he continued to excel. In his senior year, he averaged 16.4 points, 7.5 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 2.7 blocks per game, leading Montverde to a perfect 34–0 record and securing the national title.
College Career at Duke
Flagg enrolled at Duke University in June 2024 to participate in summer practices. He made an immediate impact, debuting on November 4, 2024, with 18 points, seven rebounds, five assists, and three steals in a win against Maine. On January 12, 2025, he set a new freshman scoring record for Duke and the ACC by scoring 42 points in a game against Notre Dame.
Recent Developments
On March 13, 2025, during the ACC Tournament quarterfinals against Georgia Tech, Flagg suffered a left ankle injury after securing a defensive rebound. He was taken off the court in a wheelchair and did not return to the game. X-rays were negative, but swelling has left his status uncertain for upcoming games.
Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) Valuation
Flagg’s marketability has been significant, with his NIL valuation estimated at $4.8 million. This places him among the top-earning college athletes, reflecting his on-court success and marketability.
National Team Career
Internationally, Flagg represented the United States at the 2022 FIBA Under-17 Basketball World Cup, earning All-Tournament Team honors and contributing to the team’s gold medal win. He was also named the 2022 USA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year.