Cooper Flagg
Bio
Cooper Flagg emerged from the small town of Newport, Maine, as the most hyped American prospect in basketball since LeBron James. A two-sport standout who grew up playing AAU against older competition, he captured national attention at Montverde Academy in Florida, leading the team to a 33-0 record and the GEICO Nationals title in 2024. That same year, he became the first high school player in a decade to scrimmage with the USA Basketball Select Team against the Olympic roster. Named Gatorade National Player of the Year and Naismith Prep Player of the Year, Flagg reclassified to graduate in 2024 and committed to Duke University, where his blend of two-way dominance, shot-blocking instincts, and competitive ferocity immediately drew comparisons to NBA legends. At 17, he became the youngest player ever invited to the Team USA men's basketball training camp. Widely projected as the first overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, Flagg represents the next paradigm of the modern forward: a 6'9" do-it-all defender with a relentless motor, improving offensive creation, and a deep-rooted, small-town work ethic that belies his generational talent.
Accomplishments
2024 - Sports: Gatorade National Player of the Year
Genre: High School Basketball / Athletic Achievement
Co-Stars: N/A (Individual award)
Brief Description: Flagg became just the second junior ever to win the prestigious Gatorade National Player of the Year award, dominating at Montverde Academy. He averaged 25.4 points, 13 rebounds, 5.7 assists, and 6.5 blocks per game, leading his team to a perfect 33-0 season and the GEICO Nationals title.
2024 - Sports: Scrimmaged Against the U.S. Olympic Team
Genre: International Competition / Exhibition
Co-Stars: LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, Anthony Davis, Jayson Tatum
Brief Description: At 17 years old, Flagg was selected for the USA Basketball Select Team to help the Olympic squad prepare for the 2024 Paris Games. In a closed-door scrimmage, he reportedly held his own and even scored on Anthony Davis, drawing immediate national headlines and confirming his status as a generational prospect.
2013 - Sports: First High Schooler Since 2013 to Play on USA Select Team
Genre: National Team / Historic Milestone
Co-Stars: Jalen Duren, Brandon Miller (fellow Select Team members); coached by Steve Kerr
Brief Description: Flagg broke a decade-long drought by becoming the first high school player since 2013 to earn an invitation to the USA Select Team. This accomplishment validated his unique talent level, as Select Team berths are typically reserved for elite collegiate and NBA players, not high school seniors.
News
Hawks predicted to swap ex-Warriors first-rounder for Mavericks' Daniel Gafford and $27M forward
The Dallas Mavericks are under new management and have decided to move on from Jason Kidd. The head coaching position remains vacant as the organization determines what is best for its future.
