Published: April 13, 2026
Cooper Flagg grew up in Newport, ME, and attended Nokomis Regional High, where he won a State Championship, before transferring to Montverde after his freshman year. After high school, Flagg went on to attend Duke University, where he received very high recognition for his athletic performance. He was named the Naismith Men’s College Player of the Year. This is the highest recognition a men’s college basketball player can receive. After only one year at Duke, Flagg entered the 2025 NBA draft, where he was selected by the Dallas Mavericks as the number one draft pick.Â
This is so significant because Maine is not traditionally known as a basketball powerhouse, and rarely sees natives make it past the collegiate level. Flagg went from a small-town athlete to a nationwide sensation. He now plays, and even starts on the Mavericks, alongside big names like Kyrie Irving, Klay Thompson, Khris Middleton, and Max Christie.Â
On Friday, April 3rd, 2026, Cooper Flagg scored 51 points against the Orlando Magic. Flagg became the first teenager to score 50+ in an NBA game at 19 years and 103 days old. Meaning he made a historic performance, and is continuing to make a name for himself. Each day Flagg is shining a more dominant light on his home state, Maine. Then, only 2 days later, in back-to-back games, Flagg dropped 45 points against the Los Angeles Lakers. Meaning in a two-game span, Cooper Flagg scored 96 points.
Flagg not only is the first teenager to score 51-points in a single game, but he also broke Lebron James’s record for most 40 point games as a teenager. When you look at Flagg’s stats you notice a pattern. A pattern consistent with high scoring games, dominant defensive performances, and high basketball IQ.Â
Cooper Flagg continues to write his name in the history books, as well as putting Maine on the map. However, even though Flagg is making tremendous strides in the NBA, he never forgets where he grew up, and the dedication it took to get where he is today.Â
