Cooper Flagg, a 17-year-old basketball prodigy, has rapidly risen to prominence as one of the most promising prospects in the sport. His journey from the quiet towns of Maine to the bright lights of Duke University is both inspiring and unique.
Early Discoveries and Overcoming Skepticism
Growing up in Newport, Maine, Flagg’s basketball talent was evident from a young age. In third grade, during a game against sixth graders, his exceptional skills caught the attention of coach Andy Bedard. Bedard recalled, “It was Cooper Flagg. Except he was in third grade, playing against sixth graders.” Despite his evident talent, being from Maine, a state not traditionally known for producing basketball stars, led to skepticism about his potential. Flagg reflected on this, “I felt like being just a kid from Maine, people were just kind of underestimating me and telling me that it wasn’t possible.”
A Family’s Passion for the Celtics
The Flagg family’s deep-rooted passion for basketball, especially the Boston Celtics, played a significant role in Cooper’s development. His mother, Kelly, shared, “We used to watch film on the Celtics with the older guys—(Larry) Bird, (Kevin) McHale, (Robert) Parish, (Danny) Ainge.” She continued, “We bought the kids the 1985-86 Celtics DVD set. That was Cooper’s Christmas present when he was eight.” These DVDs were a staple during family road trips, “When we traveled to AAU events down here in Massachusetts, it would play in our van.”
Embracing the Legacy of Larry Bird
The influence of Larry Bird on Flagg’s game is evident. Flagg mentioned, “I watched a lot of movies and stuff on him (Bird), and old championship games.” This exposure instilled an appreciation for unselfish play and team dynamics, “I just think the way that they move the ball was really fascinating to me at a young age.”
A Defining Moment
A pivotal moment in Flagg’s journey was watching the 2017 NBA Draft. He recalled, “I remember where I was watching it, at my old house in Maine with my family on the couch.” This experience solidified his aspirations, “I had the feeling for the first time… ‘This is where I want to get someday.'”
Rising to Prominence
Flagg’s ascent has been meteoric. By seventh grade, his dunks were legendary, “Every game, there was a poster dunk.” His performances drew crowds, with fans lining up for autographs before games. His mother reminisced, “We’d place bets on how many dunks Flagg would get or wager on whether the opponent would score more points in the game than Flagg had in dunks.”
Looking Ahead
Now a freshman at Duke University, Flagg leads the team with impressive averages of 19.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game. His journey from a small-town boy in Maine to a national sensation is a testament to his talent, determination, and the unwavering support of his family. As he continues to evolve, the basketball world watches eagerly, anticipating the next chapter in Cooper Flagg’s remarkable story.
