The Dallas Mavericks made Cooper Flagg the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, and the 18-year-old forward is still processing the moment.
Speaking with ESPN shortly after hearing his name called, Flagg admitted the experience was overwhelming. “As soon as I heard it happen, it’s been a blur,” he said. “I tried my best to stay in the moment.”
The Maine native handed his phones over to his mother during the draft to avoid distractions. “I haven’t even seen them,” he said. “Just going through this process is incredible. I know I have so much support from back home.”
That support was on full display in Newport, where fans erupted during the live broadcast. Flagg said sharing the night with his family stood out the most. “Hearing my name get called, sharing that moment with my mom, my dad, and my two brothers—that’s a moment I’m going to remember for the rest of my life.”
Flagg, who averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists in his lone season at Duke, also celebrated the success of his college teammates. “Seeing Kon [Knueppel] and Khaman [Maluach] both get taken in the top 10 is an incredible feeling,” he said. “I know how much work they put in.”
He also recalled his visit to Dallas and conversations with head coach Jason Kidd. “He just has a lot of confidence in me to come in and be an impact player,” Flagg said. “He’s gonna let me have the ball a little bit, I think, and just try and rock out and do what I can do.”
While the pressure of being the No. 1 pick is significant, Flagg said he leans on his inner circle. “My way that I deal with pressure is just using the people around me,” he said. “My parents, my brothers, my friends from back home… that’s my support system.”
Looking ahead to Summer League, Flagg already has a few matchups circled. “100%. I think Khaman, Kon… even some guys—Derik Queen, who I played with in high school, Liam McNeeley—those guys. I’ll be looking forward to playing against them.”
As Dallas eyes its next era, Flagg emphasized what he brings to the court. “My favorite part of the game is doing everything,” he said. “Block shots, help out your teammate, play offense—just being on both sides of the ball and impacting winning at a high level.”
Flagg becomes the first player from Maine ever selected first overall in the NBA Draft.
