It’s been a long journey for Cooper Flagg from the streets of Newport, Maine, to a consensus as the first overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. Seen as one of the best players in his class for quite some time, Flagg has travelled the entire basketball circuit, from high school to AAU to FIBA competitions.
And, on the eve of his crowning, his entire hometown was ready to go crazy to cheer on their man. As the live broadcast shifted to the area, the hype for the 2025 Naismith National Player of the Year was clear as day.
From High School to NBA: Maine Celebrates Its Hometown Hero
The Dallas Mavericks luckily fell into the first overall pick through impossible odds, making Flagg the next potential superstar to join the team through the draft. But before the Mavericks make their official pick, ESPN caught up with the people in Newport, Maine.
Marty Smith was in attendance at the city went boisterous for their product. “It is absolutely wonderful,” Smith began as his voice was drowned by resounding chants of “Cooper” from the crowd surrounding him.
“This is a community that is so proud of this young man. And they’re not just proud of the athlete, they’re not just proud of the talent, they’re proud of the person, they’re proud of the work ethic, they’re proud of the selflessness, they’re proud of the young man and the humility he displays.”
A very enthusiastic Marty Smith reports live on ESPN from a wild scene in Newport, Maine, the hometown of Cooper Flagg. 🏀📺🎙️ #NBA #NBADraft pic.twitter.com/vZ59xKaPNH
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) June 25, 2025
Starting his career at the Nokomis Regional High School, he shifted to Montverde Academy after a rookie season that saw him win the Maine Gatorade Player of the Year while leading the school to a Class A state championship.
He also represented his hometown at the Nike Elite Youth Basketball League, as part of Maine United, winning MVP at the 2023 Hoophall Classic. After an electric run at both the EYBL and at the high school level, he decided to join Duke.
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“These folks from Newport, Maine, are so proud that he exemplifies all those values,” Smith continued, before revealing a heartwarming story. “I had the opportunity to chat with his high school coach, Earl Anderson. I watched him break down in tears at the influence that Cooper Flagg has had here in his hometown.”
He added that his principal proclaimed the moment as one with just immense, unadulterated joy. In the end, he had one parting message. “Cooper Flagg is their flag. He’s the flag that they raised. And that flag tonight will fly highest in the NBA Draft.”
After a season with the Blue Devils where he led them in every statistical category, Flagg further solidified his standing as the best prospect coming into the rookie class, earning ACC Rookie of the Year, Player of the Year, and spots on the first-team and All-Defensive team as well.
