Cooper Flagg
Cooper Flagg (born December 21, 2006) is an American professional basketball player who plays as a small forward for the Dallas Mavericks of the National Basketball Association (NBA).[1] Standing at 6 feet 9 inches (2.06 m) and weighing 205 pounds (93 kg), Flagg is renowned for his elite shot-blocking, playmaking, and versatility on both ends of the court.[1] He was selected as the first overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft after a standout freshman season at Duke University, where he earned consensus first-team All-American honors and multiple national player of the year awards.[2][3][4] Flagg was born in Newport, Maine, and grew up in a basketball-focused family alongside his twin brother, Ace, who also plays the sport at the collegiate level.[1] He began his high school career at Nokomis Regional High School in Newport, where as a freshman he averaged 20.5 points, 10.0 rebounds, 6.2 assists, 3.7 steals, and 3.7 blocks per game, leading the team to its first-ever boys' basketball state championship.[5] Flagg later transferred to Montverde Academy in Florida for his junior and senior years, becoming a five-star recruit and the top-rated player in the class of 2024 according to ESPN and 247Sports.[5] During his time at Montverde, he was named a McDonald's All-American in 2024 and contributed to the team's undefeated national championship season.[1] At Duke, Flagg played one season in 2024–25, starting all 39 games and leading the Blue Devils to a 35–4 record while averaging 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game with shooting splits of 48.1% from the field and 38.5% from three-point range.[6] His accolades that year included the ACC Player of the Year, ACC Rookie of the Year, USBWA Oscar Robertson Trophy as National Player of the Year, and Associated Press National Player of the Year, making him the first freshman to sweep multiple major national awards since Zion Williamson in 2019.[7][3][4] Internationally, Flagg represented the United States on the 2022 FIBA Under-17 World Cup team, winning gold and averaging 9.3 points and 10.0 rebounds per game.[8] In the NBA, Flagg signed with the Mavericks on July 2, 2025, and made his debut on October 22, 2025, recording 10 points, 10 rebounds, and one steal in a 125–92 loss to the San Antonio Spurs.[9] As of November 17, 2025, through 14 games in the 2025–26 season, he has averaged 15.6 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game while shooting 44.7% from the field.[9]Early life and high school career
Early life
Cooper Flagg was born on December 21, 2006, in Newport, Maine, a small rural town in Penobscot County with a population of around 3,000.[1] He is the son of Ralph Flagg, a former junior college basketball player at Eastern Maine Community College, and Kelly Flagg (née Bowman), who starred in high school basketball at Nokomis Regional High and later played as a team captain at the University of Maine.[10][11] The couple, married since the early 2000s, first welcomed son Hunter in August 2004—born prematurely at 1 pound, 10 ounces—along with his twin Ryder, who tragically passed away two days after birth due to complications from the high-risk pregnancy; this was followed by fraternal twins Cooper and Ace in 2006.[12][13] Growing up in Newport's close-knit, blue-collar community, Flagg experienced a childhood shaped by family closeness and the demands of rural life, which instilled a strong work ethic and physical resilience. His parents, both athletic and supportive, emphasized humility and perseverance, often driving the boys long distances in their family minivan for activities despite the town's limited resources. At age 11, Flagg and his twin brother Ace worked summer jobs picking peas on Thunder Road Farm in nearby Corinna, a manual labor role that involved long hours in the fields and reinforced their competitive drive and toughness—experiences Flagg later credited for building his mental fortitude.[14][15] The brothers' bond was central to their upbringing, with Ace sharing Cooper's passion for basketball and the siblings often competing fiercely in backyard games or local challenges.[16] Flagg's initial exposure to basketball came at age 5, when he and Ace—already notably taller than their peers—began executing basic drills under their parents' guidance in the family's garage or at local courts in Newport. By second grade, Ralph and Kelly petitioned the local recreation league to allow the twins to join a team despite age restrictions, marking their entry into organized play through community programs. These early experiences at elementary school and town facilities laid the groundwork for Flagg's development, fostering a love for the sport in Newport's modest basketball scene before transitioning to more structured high school opportunities.[10]High school career
Flagg began his high school basketball career at Nokomis Regional High School in Newport, Maine, during the 2021–22 season. As a freshman, he averaged 20.5 points, 10 rebounds, 6.2 assists, 3.7 steals, and 3.7 blocks per game while leading the Warriors to a 21–1 record and the program's first Class A state championship—a feat that made him the first freshman in Maine history to achieve such success. His performance earned him the Maine Gatorade Player of the Year award.[17][18] After his standout freshman year, Flagg transferred to Montverde Academy, a nationally renowned prep school in Montverde, Florida, for the 2022–23 season. To hasten his development and entry into college basketball, he reclassified from the class of 2025 to 2024 following his sophomore year. During his senior season in 2023–24, Flagg averaged 16.1 points, 7.6 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 2.7 blocks, and 1.6 steals per game, shooting 54.8% from the field across 31 contests. He played a pivotal role in guiding the Eagles to an undefeated 33–0 record, culminating in a national championship victory at the Chipotle Nationals, where he tallied 16 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 blocks in the 79–63 final against Paul VI Catholic High School.[19][20][21] Flagg's dominance throughout high school culminated in several elite honors for the 2023–24 season, including the Gatorade National Boys Basketball Player of the Year, the Naismith High School Player of the Year award, and selection to the McDonald's All-American Game.[19][22]Recruiting
Flagg received his first NCAA Division I scholarship offer from Bryant University while in the eighth grade.[23] By the end of his high school career, he had accumulated offers from numerous top programs, including Duke, Kansas, Kentucky, North Carolina, and UConn.[24] His rapid rise in recruiting rankings solidified after his sophomore year, when he emerged as the consensus No. 1 prospect in the class of 2025 according to ESPN and 247Sports evaluations.[25] In August 2023, following his sophomore season, Flagg announced his reclassification from the class of 2025 to 2024, allowing him to enroll early at his chosen college and accelerate his path toward the 2025 NBA draft.[26] This move positioned him as the top-ranked recruit in the 2024 class across major services, including ESPN's No. 1 overall and 247Sports' composite ranking.[27] Flagg conducted official visits to UConn in early October 2023 and Duke later that month, ultimately narrowing his finalists to those two programs after postponing a planned trip to Kansas.[28] On October 30, 2023, he committed to Duke, becoming the highest-rated recruit in the program's history and elevating the Blue Devils to the No. 1 recruiting class for 2024.[29] Throughout his recruitment, Flagg generated significant media attention as a generational talent, often compared to elite prospects like Zion Williamson for his athleticism and versatility, and he drew scouts at events such as the 2023 Nike EYBL Peach Jam, where he delivered standout performances including multiple double-doubles.[30]College career
2024–25 season
Cooper Flagg enrolled at Duke University in the summer of 2024, joining the Blue Devils' roster ahead of his freshman season under head coach Jon Scheyer.[5] As a versatile forward, Flagg started all 37 games during the 2024–25 season, evolving from a raw prospect into a key playmaker while refining his shooting efficiency and decision-making on the court. He averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.4 blocks, and 1.4 steals per game, shooting 48.1% from the field and 38.5% from three-point range.[31] Duke finished the season with a 35–4 overall record, capturing the ACC regular-season championship with a 19–1 conference mark before advancing to the NCAA Tournament's Final Four, where they fell to Houston. Flagg made an immediate impact in his collegiate debut against Maine on November 4, 2024, recording 18 points and 7 rebounds in a dominant 96–62 victory that highlighted his rebounding prowess and scoring touch early in the season.[32] He delivered another standout performance in the rivalry matchup against North Carolina on February 1, 2025, scoring 21 points and grabbing 8 rebounds to fuel a crucial ACC win that solidified Duke's conference dominance.[33] Flagg suffered an ankle injury in late February, missing the final two regular-season games and the ACC Tournament.[34] His season performance also garnered multiple college awards.[6]College awards
During his single season at Duke, Cooper Flagg garnered widespread national and conference recognition for his dominant performance, earning multiple Player of the Year honors as a freshman. He became the first Duke player to sweep several major national awards in the same season, highlighting his exceptional impact on both ends of the court.[35] Flagg won the Naismith Men's College Player of the Year award, presented by the Atlanta Tipoff Club, recognizing him as the top player in NCAA Division I basketball.[36] He also claimed the John R. Wooden Award, becoming just the fourth freshman in its history to do so, joining an elite group that includes Kevin Durant, Anthony Davis, and Zion Williamson.[37] Additionally, he was named the Associated Press (AP) Player of the Year, the fourth freshman recipient of that honor.[38] Flagg further received the Oscar Robertson Trophy from the United States Basketball Writers Association (USBWA), marking him as their National Player of the Year.[3] In freshman-specific accolades, Flagg earned the Wayman Tisdale National Freshman of the Year Award from the USBWA, underscoring his immediate dominance as a first-year player.[3] He also swept the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Rookie of the Year award, receiving 79 of 81 possible votes from league coaches.[39] Flagg was selected as a consensus first-team All-American, earning spots on the Associated Press, USBWA, Wooden, and NABC teams, making him the 22nd Duke player to achieve consensus status.[40] He won the Julius Erving Award as the nation's top small forward, presented by the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.[41] Additionally, he received the Lute Olson Award from CollegeInsider.com as the most outstanding player in Division I basketball.[35] At the conference level, Flagg was named ACC Player of the Year, the first freshman to win the award since Zion Williamson in 2019, after leading Duke to the regular-season title.[39] His statistical dominance was reflected in a player efficiency rating (PER) of 30.4, among the highest in program history.[31]Professional career
2025 NBA draft
Following his standout freshman season at Duke, where he averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game while leading the Blue Devils to the NCAA Tournament, Cooper Flagg declared for the 2025 NBA draft on April 21, 2025.[42][43] He was widely regarded as the consensus No. 1 overall pick, with mock drafts and scouting services unanimously projecting him as the top selection due to his elite athleticism and versatility.[44][45] Flagg participated in the 2025 NBA draft combine held in Chicago from May 11–18, where he impressed evaluators with his physical tools. Measuring a barefoot height of 6 feet 7.75 inches (2.02 m) and weighing 221 pounds (100 kg), he recorded a 7-foot (2.13 m) wingspan and a 35.5-inch (90 cm) maximum vertical leap, highlighting his explosive athleticism and potential as a rim protector.[46][47][48] In on-court drills, he demonstrated fluid movement and defensive instincts, further solidifying his status as a top prospect.[49] As part of the pre-draft process, Flagg conducted a private workout with the Dallas Mavericks on June 18, 2025, at their facility in Frisco, Texas, where the team holds the No. 1 pick.[50] Sources described his performance as "unreal," noting his sharp shooting and defensive versatility, though he emphasized his commitment to two-way play during the session.[51][52] Scouting reports praised Flagg's two-way potential, highlighting his elite defensive IQ—he can guard multiple positions with his length and anticipation—alongside his ability to facilitate in transition, positioning him as a projected franchise cornerstone.[53][44] However, evaluators noted concerns about his shooting consistency, particularly from beyond the arc, where he shot 38.5% in college, suggesting room for development in his perimeter game.[6] On draft night, June 25, 2025, at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, the Mavericks selected Flagg with the first overall pick, as anticipated.[54] He signed his rookie-scale contract on July 2, 2025, a four-year deal worth $62.7 million, including $28.3 million guaranteed, with team options in the final two years.[55][56]Dallas Mavericks (2025–present)
Flagg made his NBA debut on October 22, 2025, coming off the bench against the Memphis Grizzlies, where he recorded 10 points, 10 rebounds, and one steal in the Mavericks' season-opening loss.[9] As the No. 1 overall pick, he quickly transitioned into a starting role at small forward, lining up alongside Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving to bolster the team's frontcourt versatility.[57] Through the first 14 games of the 2025–26 season as of November 17, 2025, Flagg averaged 15.6 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game while shooting 44.7% from the field.[9][58] His rookie campaign has highlighted adjustments to the NBA's faster pace, with noted improvements in shooting efficiency amid the Mavericks' early season performance.[59] A standout performance came on November 1, 2025, when Flagg scored 20 points against the Detroit Pistons, showcasing his athleticism with several highlight-reel dunks and transition plays despite the loss.[60] In post-game comments following recent defeats, Flagg emphasized his maturity in processing setbacks, stating, "It's the most I've lost since ever," while focusing on growth through film study and veteran guidance to handle rookie pressures.[61] The Mavericks' early season included a four-game losing skid ending with a 118–104 defeat to the Memphis Grizzlies on November 7, 2025, which raised concerns over team chemistry and perimeter defense.[62] Head coach Jason Kidd has praised Flagg's defensive potential, coaching him on switching assignments and help-side rotations to leverage his 6-foot-9 frame for versatile matchups across positions.[63]International career
Youth teams
Flagg's first international exposure came at age 15 when he was selected to the USA Men's U17 National Team for the 2022 FIBA Under-17 Basketball World Cup in Málaga, Spain.[8] Competing against top global youth talent, he emerged as a key defensive presence for the undefeated American squad, which captured the gold medal with a 79–67 victory over Spain in the final.[64] Throughout the tournament, Flagg averaged 9.3 points, a team-high 10.0 rebounds, and 2.9 blocks per game, showcasing his rebounding prowess and shot-blocking ability while earning a spot on the All-Tournament Team.[8][65] In the championship game, he recorded 10 points, a tournament-record 17 rebounds for the U.S., 8 steals, and 4 blocks, helping secure the win despite early foul trouble.[66] Building on his U17 success, Flagg continued his development with USA Basketball youth squads in 2024. He was named to the USA Men's Nike Hoop Summit Team, an annual showcase pitting American high school stars against international prospects, where he led the U.S. to a 98–75 victory over the World Select Team in Portland, Oregon.[67] Flagg posted a double-double with 19 points on 8-of-11 shooting and 11 rebounds, highlighting his scoring efficiency and athleticism in a game that featured several future college standouts.[67] These experiences solidified Flagg's role as a defensive anchor and rebounder on youth national teams, providing crucial preparation for higher-level competition while fostering his growth as a versatile forward.[8]Senior team
In July 2024, prior to the Paris Olympics, Cooper Flagg was selected as the youngest member of the USA Basketball Men's Select Team, a group of 15 players tasked with scrimmaging against the official USA Men's National Team during training camp in Las Vegas.[68] At just 17 years old, Flagg held his own against NBA superstars, particularly impressing with his defensive versatility and intensity, including moments where he guarded LeBron James effectively during practices and nearly leading a comeback in a close 74–73 loss.[69][70] Despite his standout performances, Flagg was not eligible for the Olympic roster due to his age and amateur status.[71] Following his selection as the first overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, Flagg has been viewed as a rising candidate for future USA senior national team roles. USA Basketball managing director Grant Hill, who oversaw Flagg's 2024 select team invitation, highlighted his potential for immediate defensive impact on an Olympic-caliber roster, praising his tools and competitiveness observed in camp.[72] Early projections place Flagg on the radar for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, where his development as a rookie with the Dallas Mavericks could position him for a spot alongside established stars.[73] As of November 2025, Flagg has not yet appeared in official senior FIBA competitions for the United States, with his international experience limited to preparatory and youth levels.[8] His prior success with USA youth teams, including gold medals at the FIBA U17 World Cup, has laid the groundwork for these senior opportunities.[8]Playing style
Offensive skills
Cooper Flagg exhibits versatility as a forward, leveraging his explosive athleticism—evidenced by a 35.5-inch maximum vertical leap measured at the 2025 NBA Draft Combine—to execute powerful drives to the rim.[46] His scoring repertoire includes effective mid-range pull-ups and crafty finishes at the basket, often incorporating advanced ball-handling moves like behind-the-back dribbles to create space for mid-range jumpers.[74] Flagg's shooting development has been a key area of growth, transitioning from high school to college and into the NBA. During his freshman season at Duke in 2024–25, he shot 38.5% from three-point range on 3.6 attempts per game, emerging as a reliable spot-up shooter capable of stretching defenses.[6] In the 2025–26 NBA season with the Dallas Mavericks, as of November 17, 2025, his three-point shooting stands at 27.3% through 14 games, but he has focused on refining his mechanics to enhance consistency as both a spot-up and off-dribble threat.[75] As a playmaker, Flagg averaged 4.2 assists per game at Duke, demonstrating point-forward potential through his solid ball-handling and court vision that allow him to facilitate for teammates in transition and half-court sets.[76] Flagg's overall offensive style draws comparisons to Scottie Pippen for his versatile facilitation and scoring, as well as Jayson Tatum for his all-around inside-out attack, particularly notable given his lean 205-pound frame that belies his physicality in scoring situations.[77]Defensive skills
Cooper Flagg's defensive prowess stems from his elite versatility, allowing him to guard positions 1 through 5 effectively. Standing at 6 ft 9 in (2.06 m) with a 7 ft 0 in (2.13 m) wingspan, Flagg combines length, quick feet, and lateral agility to disrupt plays across the court. At Duke during the 2024-25 season, he averaged 1.4 blocks per game, showcasing his rim protection by altering shots at the basket through timing and elevation. His ability to switch onto perimeter players was evident in matchups where he held opponents to low efficiency on isolation possessions, leveraging his instincts to contest without fouling excessively.[78][79][80] Flagg's defensive impact is amplified by his high basketball IQ, relentless motor, and anticipation skills. He consistently positions himself to rotate effectively, leading Duke in steals with 1.4 per game thanks to his knack for jumping passing lanes and reading plays early. Analysts note his proactive approach, where he punishes careless ball-handlers and covers ground rapidly to provide weak-side help. This motor, rooted in his upbringing on a Maine farm where he worked as a pea picker from age 11, contributes to his endurance and physical toughness on the court.[78][80][81] In the NBA, Flagg projects as a disruptive two-way force akin to Kawhi Leonard, with scouts praising his switchability and shot-altering range. Early in the 2025-26 season with the Dallas Mavericks, as of November 17, 2025, he has averaged 1.4 steals and 0.8 blocks per game across 14 outings, including a standout performance of three steals and two blocks in a single contest despite limited minutes as a rookie. However, Flagg occasionally incurs fouls due to over-aggression in gambling for steals, though his farm-honed physicality helps him maintain intensity without rapid fatigue.[77][9][79]Career statistics
College
During his single college season at Duke University in 2024–25, Cooper Flagg played in 37 games, starting all of them, and averaged 30.5 minutes per game. He contributed 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds (1.3 offensive and 6.2 defensive), 4.2 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.4 blocks per game, while committing 2.1 turnovers and 1.9 personal fouls.[31] Flagg's shooting efficiency was notable, with a field goal percentage of 48.1%, a three-point percentage of 38.5% on 3.6 attempts per game, and a free throw percentage of 84.0% on 5.8 attempts per game. His advanced metrics highlighted his impact, including a player efficiency rating (PER) of 30.4 that led the nation.[31] The following table summarizes Flagg's per-game averages for the 2024–25 season, encompassing both regular season and tournament play:| Statistic | Per Game Average |
|---|---|
| Games Played/Started | 37/37 |
| Minutes | 30.5 |
| Points | 19.2 |
| Rebounds (Total) | 7.5 |
| Offensive | 1.3 |
| Defensive | 6.2 |
| Assists | 4.2 |
| Steals | 1.4 |
| Blocks | 1.4 |
| Turnovers | 2.1 |
| Personal Fouls | 1.9 |
| Field Goals Made/Attempted | 6.5/13.4 |
| Three-Pointers Made/Attempted | 1.4/3.6 |
| Free Throws Made/Attempted | 4.8/5.8 |
| FG% | 48.1% |
| 3P% | 38.5% |
| FT% | 84.0% |
NBA
Flagg entered the NBA as the first overall pick by the Dallas Mavericks in the 2025 NBA draft, beginning his professional career in the 2025–26 season.Regular Season Statistics (2025–26, through 14 games as of November 17, 2025)
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Games Played | 14 |
| Minutes per Game | 34.1 |
| Points per Game | 15.6 |
| Rebounds per Game | 6.7 |
| Assists per Game | 3.2 |
| Blocks per Game | 0.8 |
| Steals per Game | 1.4 |