ESPN reports Duke’s Cooper Flagg as one of the most hyped NBA prospects in 2024-25, praised for elite defense, versatility, and basketball IQ that set him apart……
Cooper Flagg: From Overlooked Talent to the Most Hyped Prospect in Recent NBA History
In the world of basketball, few names have risen as quickly and with as much fervor as Cooper Flagg. The 6’9″ forward from Newport, Maine, is being hailed as a generational talent, drawing comparisons to NBA greats before he’s even played a professional game. With his explosive athleticism, elite defensive instincts, and a motor that never stops, Flagg is projected to be the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. But according to Flagg himself, the journey to becoming the most hyped prospect in recent NBA memory wasn’t always a straight path. In fact, he says the hype wasn’t always there.
Humble Beginnings in Maine
Cooper Flagg’s story begins in a small town where Division I scouts rarely tread. Growing up in Newport, Maine—a state not known for producing NBA-level basketball talent—Flagg didn’t have access to the same resources or exposure that prospects in basketball hotbeds like California or New York enjoy. His talent was undeniable even in elementary school, but for a long time, that talent went unnoticed by the broader basketball world.
“Early on, I just played because I loved it,” Flagg said in a recent interview. “I wasn’t thinking about the NBA. I wasn’t even thinking about college yet. I just wanted to win games and get better every day.”
Flagg’s passion and work ethic were nurtured by his family, especially his mother, Kelly, a former college basketball player herself. With twin brother Ace often by his side, Cooper honed his skills in local gyms, often against older competition. Still, national attention was hard to come by.
The Breakout
The turning point came when Flagg began playing for Nokomis Regional High School. As a freshman, he led the team to its first-ever Class A state title and averaged over 20 points, 10 rebounds, and several blocks per game. Despite his youth, he dominated the court with a poise and skillset well beyond his years. That performance put him on the radar of scouts and analysts, but it was his move to Montverde Academy in Florida that truly vaulted him into the national spotlight.
Montverde is no ordinary high school program. It has produced stars like Cade Cunningham, Ben Simmons, and Scottie Barnes. Joining such a powerhouse was both a challenge and an opportunity for Flagg to measure himself against the best.
“There was definitely a period of adjustment,” Flagg said. “The talent level, the intensity of practices, everything went up a level. But I wanted that. I wanted to be pushed.”
He didn’t just rise to the occasion—he thrived. Flagg quickly became a key contributor on a team stacked with elite talent. His performances in the Nike EYBL circuit and at national showcases like Peach Jam solidified his status as one of the best prospects in the country. Suddenly, the spotlight was blinding.
“The Hype Wasn’t Always There”
Despite the explosion of attention, Flagg has remained remarkably grounded. In interviews, he often talks about how people are only seeing the results now, not
