PGA Tour Sends Personal Message to Cooper Flagg During NBA Draft

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Dibyendu Mondal | Last updated Jun 26, 2025 7:47 AM ET

Cooper Flagg, the 6‑ft‑9 Duke phenom, was selected No. 1 overall by the Dallas Mavericks in the 2025 NBA Draft on Wednesday, marking a major turning point for a franchise rebuilding after the Luka Dončić trade.

Seen as a generational talent, Flagg averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists during his freshman year, earning unanimous National Player of the Year honors.

Yet, beyond basketball, Flagg harbors an athletic passion for golf. He considers himself around a 14 handicap, describing himself as “solid” on the links. Flagg has even mentioned that if not basketball, he’d likely consider pursuing golf at a higher level.

During the live draft broadcast, the PGA Tour assembled highlights of Flagg’s golf moments, showing him off the tee and on the range, and shared them on X.

“Hopefully there’s still some time for golf in the offseasonCongrats to @Cooper_Flagg for being the No. 1 pick in the @NBA Draft!” They posted.

LeBron James dropped a lot of praise for the No. 1 pick regarding his Dallas future.

“I personally think that he wants to be great… super athletic, quick second jump." He said during an episode of "Mind the Game" podcast.

"And unlike myself, he gets to join an established team with Hall‑of‑Famers—Klay Thompson, Anthony Davis, Kyrie Irving—and Jason Kidd. I think he’s going to be amazing.”

Hopefully there's still some time for golf in the offseason

Congrats to @Cooper_Flagg for being the No. 1 pick in the @NBA Draft! pic.twitter.com/t5aVu8vMX9
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) June 26, 2025

Flagg responded with equal enthusiasm, eager to win alongside his new teammates.

"I'm really excited. I think I keep saying I'm excited to be a sponge, to get down there and just learn, be surrounded by Hall of Fame-caliber guys and just to be able to learn from them. It's going to be an incredible experience." He expressed.

"I feel so blessed to be in the position I am. Just to get down there, be a sponge, learn and try and grow my game as much as I can."

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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