Maine Native Cooper Flagg Becomes NBA No. 1 Pick for Mavericks/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Cooper Flagg, from Newport, Maine and Duke, was selected No. 1 overall by the Dallas Mavericks in the 2025 NBA Draft. He averaged 19.2 points and 7.5 rebounds per game and will wear No. 32. His pick reunites Duke’s strong draft legacy and electrified fans in Maine.
Cooper Flagg + Quick Looks
- No. 1 overall pick: Joined Mavericks as their top choice.
- Duke impact: Averaged 19.2 PPG, 7.5 RPG, led them to the Final Four.
- Maine celebration: State-wide pride and draft parties in his home.
- Draft legacy: Follows Duke stars like Irving, Williamson, Banchero.
- Draft night highlights: Top 10 featured Flagg (1), Harper (2), Edgecombe (3), Knueppel (4), Bailey (5).
Maine Native Cooper Flagg Becomes NBA No. 1 Pick for Mavericks
Deep Look
DALLAS SELECTS MAINE’S OWN WITH FIRST PICK
On June 26, 2025, the Dallas Mavericks secured a franchise cornerstone by selecting Cooper Flagg, an 18-year-old forward from Newport, Maine, with the first overall pick. After a high-energy season at Duke—highlighted by a 19.2-point, 7.5-rebound average and a Final Four appearance—Flagg joins pro basketball’s elite immediately upon draft night.
Flagg’s arrival offers a new era for Mavericks fans, who still feel the sting of Luka Doncic’s February trade to the Lakers. The organization quickly embraced their choice, announcing Flagg will wear No. 32, joining fellow Duke alumni Kyrie Irving and Dereck Lively II on the Dallas roster. Flagg shared his excitement about “being a sponge,” ready to learn from Hall of Fame–level teammates and grow in his new environment.
HOMETOWN HERO RECEIVES STATEWIDE SUPPORT
Flagg’s selection prompted celebrations across Maine—locals filled watch parties and cheered loudly for their native son. He reflected on his ability to “inspire younger kids,” acknowledging the emotional weight of support from his home state so early in his career.
DUKE’S DRAFT DOMINANCE CONTINUES
Flagg becomes the fourth Duke player taken first overall since 1999, joining Elton Brand, Kyrie Irving, Zion Williamson, and Paolo Banchero. Duke notched three top-10 selections in the 2025 draft—Flagg (1), Kon Knueppel (4), and Khaman Maluach (10)—pushing past Kentucky’s record for most first-rounders since 1989.
TOP 10 DRAFT RECAP
Dallas (1) – Cooper Flagg, Duke – highly anticipated top selection.
Spurs (2) – Rutgers freshman Dylan Harper aims to continue a Rookie of the Year trend.
76ers (3) – Baylor’s VJ Edgecombe sparked loud cheers in Brooklyn.
Hornets (4) – Duke’s Knueppel strengthens the Blue Devils’ top-class reputation.
Jazz (5) – Ace Bailey joins Utah after avoiding the 76ers’ draft camp.
Wizards (6) – Texas standout Tre Johnson.
Pelicans (7) – Jeremiah Fears, Oklahoma alum.
Nets (8) – BYU guard Egor Demin, marking Brooklyn’s selection.
Raptors (9) – Collin Murray-Boyles from South Carolina.
Suns (10) – Khaman Maluach, via a trade tied to Kevin Durant’s move.
MID-ROUND MOVES & DATES
Notable trades included Derik Queen (Maryland) heading to New Orleans and Florida’s Final Four MOP Walter Clayton Jr. being picked by Washington at No. 18 before his rights were transferred to Utah. The draft resumes Thursday at Barclays Center to complete Round 2.
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