Duke’s Cooper Flagg explains why some people doubted he would be a star

As he prepares for the 2025 NBA Draft following a terrific freshman season with the Duke Blue Devils, Cooper Flagg reflects on his basketball journey. His collegiate career was short, but it left so many good memories for fans.

With the Dallas Mavericks holding the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming draft, it’s highly likely to see Flagg joining the team this offseason. He’s coming a strong season with the Blue Devils, leading them in almost every statistical category, including points (709), rebounds (278), assists (155) and steals (52). Flagg averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.4 blocks and 1.4 steals for the team that made it all the way to the NCAA tournament’s Final Four before the Houston Cougars stopped them in the semifinals.

Before becoming a major sensation in the world of basketball, Cooper Flagg was just another kid with a dream. He didn’t always have people backing him, but that didn’t stop him. 

Cooper Flagg reveals people didn’t believe he would become a big name in the world of basketball 

The projected No. 1 overall pick told The Associated Press that many thought that being from Maine would have hurt his chances to become a star.

Cooper Flagg #2 of the Duke Blue Devils

“Growing up in Maine, there’s people that told me I would never be able to make it to the next level or play Division I basketball because I’m from Maine and nobody plays up there,” Flagg said. “I think just that message of it doesn’t matter where you’re from, as long as you work hard and trust yourself and trust your ability, then you can really accomplish anything.”

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Flash forward, he’s one of the most hyped prospects in recent memory, labeled as the greatest freshman in Duke history by some and the savior and future leader of the Dallas Mavericks.