Dallas Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg shared a memorable moment with NBA legend Michael Jordan at the Ryder Cup, where the two were photographed shaking hands. The meeting marks a milestone for the 18-year-old forward, who entered the NBA after a record-breaking freshman season at Duke University.
Throughout the season, Flagg consistently delivered for the Blue Devils, posting multiple 20-plus point games and double-doubles. He finished the 2024–25 season averaging 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists over 37 games.
Flagg’s performance helped Duke claim the ACC regular season title with a 19–1 conference record. Despite a sprained ankle that forced him out of part of the ACC Tournament, he returned for the NCAA Tournament, guiding the team to the Final Four.
His accolades included ACC Player of the Year and ACC Rookie of the Year, joining Zion Williamson, Marvin Bagley III, and Jahlil Okafor as the only players to win both awards in a single season. Following the campaign, Flagg declared for the 2025 NBA Draft.
The Mavericks selected Flagg first overall in the 2025 NBA Draft, securing a cornerstone for their rebuilding effort after trading Luka Doncic to the Lakers.
Flagg’s early NBA journey includes Summer League appearances, where he averaged 20.5 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 5.0 assists across two games.
Meeting Jordan represents a symbolic passing of the torch for Flagg, who enters the league with expectations as a transformative talent. The encounter at the Ryder Cup highlighted his growing prominence in basketball circles before the 2025–26 season begins.
