Early Dominance: An Oral History of Duke Star Cooper Flagg’s Rise to Prominence in Maine
Cooper Flagg’s rise from a small-town phenom in Maine to a top-tier basketball recruit has been nothing short of extraordinary. With his combination of skill, athleticism, and basketball IQ, Flagg has captured the attention of coaches, scouts, and fans across the country. His journey is one marked by early dominance on the court, significant mentorship, and an unwavering work ethic. This oral history offers a glimpse into the key moments and influences that shaped Flagg into the player he is today.
The Early Days: Growing Up in Maine
“Cooper has always had that competitive fire. Even when he was little, playing with older kids, you could see it. He wasn’t just trying to keep up; he was trying to dominate.” — Chris Flagg, Cooper’s father
Cooper grew up in a basketball-loving family in a small town in Maine, where opportunities for exposure to elite basketball were few. But from a young age, it was clear that Cooper was different. His father, Chris Flagg, a former college basketball player, made sure Cooper had access to the fundamentals, even if they didn’t always have the high-level resources others might have.
“We didn’t have a fancy gym or professional trainers. But we had the backyard, and that was enough. Cooper was always working on his shot or trying to perfect a move. It was more about the mentality than the equipment.” — Chris Flagg
By the time Cooper entered high school, his natural talent was undeniable. He was already playing against older competition and succeeding in ways few others could at his age. His first major spotlight came during his sophomore year, when he led his team to a state championship and was named the state’s best player.
The Turning Point: A National Stage
“The first time I saw Cooper play was in a showcase tournament. He wasn’t just standing out because he was taller; he had a skill set that was polished. His ability to read the game and make the right decision every time was something you don’t often see at that age.” — Tommy Amaker, Duke head coach
Flagg’s national profile truly began to rise when he started to participate in high-profile AAU tournaments. These events allowed him to compete against the best talent in the country, and it didn’t take long for scouts to recognize his potential. Despite coming from a relatively small market like Maine, Cooper’s mix of size, defense, and versatility made him a top recruit for some of the most prestigious programs in college basketball.
His first major recruitment moment came at a 17U AAU tournament in Las Vegas. Flagg dominated on both ends of the floor, showing off his shot-blocking ability, playmaking, and scoring. Coaches from across the nation started calling, and Duke was one of the first to make an offer.
The Mentors and Coaches
“What stood out to me early on about Cooper was his hunger. He wasn’t satisfied with just being good—he wanted to be great. We worked a lot on his footwork, especially on defense, and you could see him putting it all together.” — Matt Glover, AAU coach
Cooper’s AAU coach, Matt Glover, played a pivotal role in his development. Glover pushed Flagg to refine his defensive skills, and it was here that Cooper became known as a player capable of locking down multiple positions. While Flagg was already a versatile player, Glover helped him understand the finer points of the game, such as positioning, timing, and basketball IQ.
The Duke Decision and the Future
“Cooper was always destined to play at the highest level. His commitment to Duke isn’t a surprise to me. From day one, he had that ‘it’ factor, and it’s clear that he’s ready for whatever comes next.” — Chris Flagg
In early 2025, Cooper made the announcement that he would be attending Duke University, where he hopes to refine his skills under Coach Tommy Amaker’s tutelage. The decision was the culmination of years of hard work and sacrifice. For Flagg, Duke represents an opportunity to compete at the highest level and showcase his talents on a national stage.
As Flagg prepares to take the next step in his basketball journey, his rise from Maine to the top of the recruiting ranks stands as a testament to the power of talent, determination, and the right guidance. His story is still unfolding, but one thing is certain: the basketball world is watching closely as he prepares to make his mark on Duke and beyond.
