Cooper Flagg is a prominent American basketball player who has garnered national attention for his exceptional skills and achievements. Born on December 21, 2006, in Newport, Maine, Flagg began his high school career at Nokomis Regional High School, where as a freshman, he became the first player to receive the Maine Gatorade Player of the Year award.
In his freshman year at Nokomis, Flagg led the team to a Class A state championship, contributing 22 points and 16 rebounds in the final game. He transferred to Montverde Academy in Florida after his freshman year, where he continued to excel. During his senior year, Flagg 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.
Flagg’s outstanding performance earned him multiple honors, including the Gatorade National Player of the Year, Mr. Basketball USA, and the Naismith Prep Player of the Year in 2024. He also represented the United States at the 2022 FIBA Under-17 Basketball World Cup, earning a spot on the All-Tournament Team.
Committed to Duke University, Flagg joined the Blue Devils in 2024. In his freshman year, he was named the ACC Player of the Year and earned first-team All-ACC honors. His performance has solidified his status as a top prospect for the upcoming NBA draft, with projections suggesting he could be the No. 1 overall pick.
Beyond his on-court achievements, Flagg is known for wearing jersey number 2 at Duke to honor Donovan Kurt, a friend of his older brother who passed away from brain cancer in 2022. His journey from Newport, Maine, to national prominence has inspired many, especially in his hometown, where his success has fostered a sense of pride and community spirit.
For a closer look at Cooper Flagg’s high school highlights, you can watch the following video: