Cooper Flagg: Maine’s Leading Man
The basketball player’s journey from Newport to national spotlight.
WORDS BY CONNOR CLEMENT
photography courtesy of the dallas mavericks
Surely, by now, you’ve heard the story: a small town kid from Maine takes the basketball world by storm. But what might feel like the climax of a Hollywood script is, in reality, just the beginning chapters of Cooper Flagg’s incredible journey. Newport, Maine, a town of just 3,000, isn’t often in the national spotlight. It’s a place known for quiet streets, hard work, and community pride. But all that changed when Cooper Flagg emerged—first as a middle school phenom, then as the basketball prodigy destined for greatness.
In 2021-22 at Nokomis Regional High School, Flagg’s talent couldn’t be ignored. He rebounded like a forward, shot like a guard, and ran the floor with the energy of someone chasing destiny. From day one, Cooper—and his twin brother Ace—were driven, grounded, and intensely dedicated to their craft.
Before their high school days, the Flaggs’ work ethic caught the attention of Matt MacKenzie, a Bangor-based trainer and former standout athlete himself, who was introduced to the boys by their mother, Kelly. That partnership would quietly lay the foundation for everything that followed.
“One thing that I can remember vividly from that first session was how hungry they were and how coachable they were,” MacKenzie recalled. “You only had to tell [Cooper] once, and he was able to immediately pick up what you were trying to tell him and apply it immediately to his game.”
With MacKenzie’s guidance and a gym-first mentality, Flagg developed the tools and the edge that would carry him far beyond the borders of his home state. As a high school freshman, he led Nokomis to a state title, won Maine’s Gatorade Player of the Year, and let the basketball world know Maine was on the map.
Cooper Flagg (left) and his twin brother Ace.
After just one season at Nokomis, Flagg made a bold decision few from Maine had dared to make. He left home for Montverde Academy in Florida—a powerhouse school where elite prospects are forged. It was a major shift, but one that proved transformative.
At Montverde, Flagg’s game reached new heights. He led the team to a perfect 33-0 season and a national championship in 2024. By graduation, he was the consensus No. 1 recruit in the country.
For Flagg, the dream school had always been Duke. In the 2024–25 season, he made that dream a reality and exceeded expectations at every turn.
Starting all 37 games for the Blue Devils, Flagg averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.4 blocks per game, while shooting nearly 48% from the field and 39% from three. He led Duke in nearly every major statistical category, earning him national attention and a passionate fan base.
Though the team fell just short of a national title, Flagg’s freshman year was nothing short of spectacular. He swept every major individual honor, including the Wooden and Naismith Awards, ACC Player of the Year, and ACC Rookie of the Year. His “one-and-done” season was a success that would catapult him into the professional ranks.
As the 2025 NBA Draft approached, one name dominated every conversation: Cooper Flagg. When the Dallas Mavericks secured the No. 1 overall pick, the selection felt preordained.
On draft night, all of Maine was watching—gathering at local watch parties, tuning in from sports bars and high school gyms. When Flagg’s name was announced, the eruption across the state was felt all the way in Brooklyn.
Cooper Flagg on draft night, after being selected first by the Dallas Mavericks.
“You know it just kind of hit me there for a moment just that all the hard work that we’ve put in over the years led him to that moment,” said MacKenzie, who sat beside Flagg on his big night.
“It’s obviously a dream for any basketball player growing up… but for most, it’s a pipe dream. To see it come to life for a kid from Newport, Maine—it’s a really cool story.”
Dallas saw more than talent in Flagg. They saw a franchise cornerstone. At 6'9", with elite instincts and a competitive edge, he became the face of their rebuild. And Flagg arrived ready—not just to play, but to compete.
Through it all, one thing has remained constant: Maine’s unwavering support.
Back in Newport, the pride is palpable. Residents follow every stat line, every highlight. Kids wear his jersey. Grandparents brag about seeing him play in high school. Cooper Flagg isn’t just an NBA player to Maine—he’s family.
His story is no longer just about basketball. It’s about what’s possible when talent meets heart, and when small-town roots never get forgotten.
Flagg’s rise has also sparked a frenzy in the sports card world. At Double Play Collectibles in Scarborough, owner Dave Harding has seen the buzz firsthand.
“I have a whole case dedicated just to Cooper Flagg cards,” said Harding.
Some of those cards—especially rare high school and Duke editions—have sold for tens of thousands of dollars. The hype is real, and Harding says it’s unlike anything he’s seen.
“I’ve never seen this from a player. I’ve only heard stories about Michael Jordan and Kobe,” he said. “It’s extra cool that it’s a guy from our home state that this is happening to.”
At Fanatics Fest in New York City, Harding got to see just how grounded Flagg remains.
“He comes by, ends up spending like $20,000 on cards, including one of his own one-of-ones that he gifted to a friend. It was a really great moment.”
Now in the thick of his rookie season, Flagg is navigating the highs and lows of NBA life— breakout performances, tough matchups, endless travel, and learning the pace of the pros. But for the people of Maine, he’s already made it.
Whether he’s dunking in Dallas or quietly returning home for a weekend visit, Cooper Flagg is—and always will be—Maine’s leading man.
