'I’m Just Going to Be Myself': Cooper Flagg on Embracing the Draft, Dallas Visit, and Why He Fits with the Mavericks

Cooper Flagg stood in front of reporters Wednesday at NBA Draft media day with a calm demeanor that belied the magnitude of the moment. Within 24 hours of speaking, the 18-year-old will be selected with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, officially making the leap from Maine phenom and Duke star to a rising star for the Dallas Mavericks’ new era.

What’s ahead is a franchise reset in every sense. With Luka Dončić now in Los Angeles and a new identity forming around Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving, Dallas is preparing to hand the keys to Flagg — a player whose mixture of versatility, production, and maturity has made him one of the most anticipated top picks in years.

For Flagg, it’s not just about reaching the NBA. He’s motivated to prove that he belongs from the very beginning, much like he did while competing with Team USA superstars as a 17-year-old last summer in Las Vegas, catching the attention of much of the basketball world.

“This is stuff I’ve dreamed about since I was a little kid,” Flagg said. “It’s surreal. I don’t think it’s really set in yet, but I’m just trying to go through each moment and enjoy it.”

Dallas Mavericks Visit: “A Really Good Experience”

Flagg visited Dallas during the pre-draft process and came away impressed by the people, facilities, and competitive structure he saw firsthand.

“It was an incredible visit for me,” Flagg said. “I got a good hour and 15-minute workout in — a bunch of rebounders, staff, coaches, players. Guys got in and were guarding me, so to get some live reads was really good.”

“I had dinner with some of the guys on the team,” he added. “That was just a really good experience. It was a great learning trip.”

Though the pick is a foregone conclusion, Flagg confirmed he had not been told directly by Dallas that they plan to select him No. 1. He’s looking forward to receiving confirmation of the outcome by hearing his name called by NBA commissioner Adam Silver and walking on the stage.

“No, I haven’t had that conversation at all,” Flagg said. “So I’m just going through this process like everybody else.”

When asked about fitting into a roster already featuring veteran All-Stars like Davis and Irving, Flagg welcomed the opportunity.

“You’re joining a team with a ton of incredible players and people that have had careers like they’ve had,” Flagg said. “I think it would be a really great experience.”

Sensational Year at Duke Cemented No. 1 Status

Flagg’s dominant freshman campaign at Duke erased any doubt about his place atop the draft. In 37 games, he averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.4 blocks in 30.6 minutes per game. He shot 48% from the field, 39% from three, and 84% from the line.

He was named ACC Rookie of the Year, made the ACC All-Defensive Team, and became the first freshman since Anthony Davis in 2012 to win National College Player of the Year.

“You have to take your wins in stride and your losses in the same stride,” Flagg said, reflecting on Duke’s near-title run. “I’ll always remember [how it ended], but I’ll use it to grow the rest of my life.”

Representing Maine: “I Carry That With Me”

When Flagg hears his name called, he’ll make history as the first player from Maine selected No. 1 overall. It’s a distinction he doesn’t take lightly.

“Being able to come from Maine is just such a big part of me and who I am today. I carry that with me and I carry a lot of pride in that,” he said. “Just proving to the kids in Maine — and even bigger than that, kids from anywhere around the world — that it doesn’t matter where you’re from as long as you believe in yourself and you work hard.”

Jokingly asked by former Montverde teammate Liam McNeeley about regional staples, Flagg gave a quick culinary disclaimer.

“Lobster isn’t my personal favorite,” Flagg said, “but a good Maine lobster roll — my trainer’s wife makes a really nice one.”

With viewing parties planned across the state, Flagg acknowledged the outpouring of support.

“I’m blessed to have such a supportive state and people back home that support me so much,” Flagg said. “I’m grateful for everybody that’s going to show up to the parties and celebrate.”

Cooper Flagg is Embracing Expectations: “I’m Just Going to Be Myself”

As he prepares to be the face of a franchise, Flagg is not shying away from the spotlight, but he’s staying grounded in his approach.

“I wouldn’t look at anything as pressure,” Flagg said. “I’m just going to try and be myself all the time. I’m not worried about living up to certain players’ expectations or things like that.”

“It’s definitely a lot of motivation. It’s a little bit of pressure — I feel like that comes with it,” he continued. “You get all the media, people having opinions on you and your life and everything about you. But for me, it’s a lot of motivation. Even bad things — hearing people talk about you is a good thing no matter what.”

He credits his maturity and understanding of the game to his decision to leave home at 15 and attend Montverde Academy.

“I think just trying to grow up fast,” Flagg said. “I’ve always had a knack for making reads at a high level. And I have a really tight circle of people around me — that’s what’s helped me stay grounded.”

Flagg embraces the “positionless” label and said he’s ready to play whatever role is asked of him.

“Positionless is a great way to put it. I’ll do whatever coach wants me to do. I’ll play any role,” Flagg said. “Whether that’s getting it off the rim on a rebound and pushing in transition… or playing off-ball, cutting, flashing, spotting up — I’m ready to do whatever that may be.”

As for how he envisions his first NBA bucket?

“Maybe dunking on someone,” he said, grinning. “Maybe one of my former teammates — that’d be pretty cool.”

Cooper Flagg Shares Reaction to Dallas Mavericks Trading Luka Dončić

While the Mavericks have not publicly confirmed their selection, the writing is on the wall. The franchise’s trade sending Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers in February ultimately cleared the path for a new foundational piece. The Mavericks finished the season with a 39-43 record, falling short of advancing out of the play-in tournament as a result of a 120-106 loss against the Memphis Grizzlies. With just a 1.8% chance of landing the No. 1 overall pick, the improbable happened, and the rest is history.

Flagg recalled learning about the Dončić trade in real time with his Duke teammates.

“I remember being with all my guys. I think it might have been the night that we played UNC at home and we won that game,” Flagg recalled. “We were all kind of hanging out together and I remember my teammate Darren Harris — he was the first one to see the Shams post. We just all started going crazy. Like, it was just such a shock. It was crazy news.”

Since then, Flagg’s focus has shifted from the surprise of the league-shaking move to embracing the chance to lead what comes next.

Larry Bird, USA Basketball, and Lifelong Mentors

Flagg credited his time with USA Basketball’s Select Team for helping shape his belief that he can thrive at the next level. He was the youngest on the roster and was a standout in scrimmages, earning the respect of his future NBA peers before he even competed at the collegiate level.

“That experience was priceless,” Flagg said. “It was such a good learning experience — to learn from everybody, a ton of Hall of Fame players. The confidence I got from playing with them… I know I can play my game and be who I am.”

As a kid growing up in the northeast, one of his earliest basketball idols was Boston Celtics legend Larry Bird.

“The way he played so hard every possession, diving on the floor, doing all the little things — that’s how I tried to play growing up,” Flagg said. “If I could see him courtside at my first NBA game? That would be really cool.”

Flagg also credited longtime trainer Matt McKenzie, who has worked with him since fourth grade.

“He knows my game really well. He’s been with me every step of the way,” Flagg said. “I wouldn’t be the player I am without him.”

New Balance Partnership and Draft Night Emotions

Flagg recently signed with New Balance and appeared in a campaign at the brand’s new flagship store in New York.

“I got to go over there and do a little meet-and-greet with a bunch of kids,” Flagg said. “That’s the sort of thing I love to do. Seeing the joy on their faces — that was a really cool experience.”

What drew him to the company?

“The connection is deeper than just the product,” Flagg said. “It’s the culture, the family-oriented way they operate. They’ve got ties to New England and Maine — that was important to me.”

Though he doesn’t yet have a signature shoe, Flagg said he rotates between models like the Hei Lows, Two-Ways, and Kawhi Leonard’s line.

Brotherhood at Duke and What Comes Next

Flagg said Duke head coach Jon Scheyer played a pivotal role in his development, praising his trust, communication, and mentorship throughout the season.

“Coach Scheyer was incredible for me. He was with me every step of the way through my recruitment. He trusted me. We had a great relationship,” Flagg said. “He’s been such a resource, reaching out to people and connecting me with great people.”

He’s hopeful his teammates will share the NBA spotlight with him. There are five potential draft selections from Duke in this year’s class, including Flagg. Others include Khaman Maluach and Kon Knueppel, who are strongly projected as top 10 selections. Others include Tyrese Proctor and Sion James.

“That would be incredible. I think everybody deserves it,” Flagg said. “Obviously, Khaman [Maluach] and Kon [Knueppel] — we’ll hear their names. But as far as Tyrese [Proctor] and Sion [James], I think they’ve helped themselves a lot and have a really good chance.”

As for what he’ll feel walking up to shake the commissioner’s hand?

“I don’t know what’s going to go through my mind,” Flagg said. “My mind will probably be racing, going a hundred miles an hour. But I’m going to try my best to slow down, enjoy the moment, and soak it all in.”

Even now, Flagg still marvels at how far he’s come.

“I don’t know what the younger version of me — riding around Maine in a minivan, watching Celtics DVDs — would say,” Flagg said. “I don’t know if he’d believe it. It’s just so crazy. It all happened so fast.”