On April 5, 2025, Duke University freshman Cooper Flagg made history by winning the John R. Wooden Award, becoming only the fourth freshman to claim this prestigious honor as the most outstanding men’s college basketball player of the year. At 18 years old, Flagg joined an elite group—Kevin Durant (Texas, 2007), Anthony Davis (Kentucky, 2012), and Zion Williamson (Duke, 2019)—with his victory announced just before Duke’s Final Four clash against Houston. This milestone highlights Flagg’s extraordinary talent and marks him as a generational force in college basketball. Below, we dive into the life, family, career, milestones, awards, net worth, and intriguing facts about this rising star from Newport, Maine.
Cooper Flagg’s Early Life and Family
Cooper Flagg was born on December 21, 2006, in Newport, Maine, a small town of just over 3,000 residents. Raised in a basketball-loving family, Flagg’s passion for the game took root early, guided by his parents, Kelly and Bryant Flagg. Kelly, a former college player at the University of Maine, coached Cooper and his twin brother, Ace, instilling a deep understanding of the sport. Bryant supported their competitive drive, creating a nurturing yet challenging environment. The twins, born minutes apart, shared a fierce on-court rivalry, while their older brother, Hunter, added to the family’s athletic dynamic. The Flaggs’ driveway became a training ground, where Cooper’s relentless work ethic began to shine.
At Nokomis Regional High School, Cooper dominated as a freshman, averaging over 20 points and 10 rebounds per game, leading his team to a state title, and earning Maine Gatorade Player of the Year honors at 14. Seeking greater competition, the family relocated Cooper and Ace to Montverde Academy in Florida, a powerhouse program, setting the stage for his national ascent.
Cooper Flagg’s Career Beginnings and Rise
At Montverde, Cooper Flagg’s game exploded. Standing 6’9” with a versatile skill set, he averaged over 25 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists per game, guiding Montverde to a 2024 national championship. His accolades piled up—Naismith High School Player of the Year, USA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year, and Gatorade National Player of the Year—making him the consensus No. 1 recruit in the 2024 class. Choosing Duke University over countless offers, Flagg embraced the pressure of playing for a storied program under coach Jon Scheyer. Analysts pegged him as a one-and-done talent and the projected No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, but Flagg set out to prove his worth immediately.
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Cooper Flagg’s Freshman Season at Duke
The 2024-25 season saw Cooper Flagg redefine freshman expectations at Duke. Leading the Blue Devils in points (18.9 per game), rebounds (7.5), assists (4.2), and steals (1.4), while ranking second in blocks (1.3), he showcased elite efficiency—48.3% field goal shooting and 37.4% from three. His 42-point outburst against Notre Dame in January 2025 set an ACC freshman record, while his resilience after a mid-season ankle sprain fueled Duke’s 35-3 regular-season record and ACC titles. In the NCAA Tournament, Flagg’s 30-point, 7-assist Sweet 16 performance against Arizona propelled Duke to the Final Four, their first since 2022, amplifying his legend.
Cooper Flagg’s Milestones and Awards
On April 5, 2025, Cooper Flagg won the Wooden Award, outpacing Auburn’s Johni Broome by 178 votes and becoming Duke’s eighth recipient of the honor. He joined Durant, Davis, and Williamson as the only freshmen to win, a testament to his dominance over finalists like Florida’s Walter Clayton Jr. and Alabama’s Mark Sears. Flagg also secured ACC Player of the Year, ACC Freshman of the Year, and AP First-Team All-American honors. On April 4, he claimed the AP Player of the Year award, followed by National Player of the Year nods from the NABC and USBWA. A potential national title on April 7 could elevate his freshman haul to historic heights.
Cooper Flagg’s Net Worth and NIL Success
Cooper Flagg has turned the NCAA’s NIL era into a financial windfall. By March 2025, his NIL valuation hit $4.8 million per On3, ranking him first among college basketball players and sixth overall in NCAA sports. Starting at $2.6 million before his Duke debut, his earnings soared with high-profile deals. New Balance signed him in August 2024, a multi-million-dollar pact tied to his Maine roots. Gatorade and Fanatics followed, the latter launching a rare Topps Bowman trading card for a college athlete. Additional partnerships with Cort Furniture and The NIL Store bolstered his income, managed by CAA, hinting at a net worth that could soon reach eight figures.
Cooper Flagg’s Interesting Facts
- Twin Dynamic: Cooper Flagg’s twin, Ace, a Rutgers commit, fueled his competitive edge through sibling rivalry.
- Maine Milestone: He’s the first Maine native to win the Wooden Award, a point of pride for his home state.
- Triple-Double Star: At Montverde, Flagg notched a viral 28-point, 12-rebound, 10-assist triple-double on national TV.
- Draft Hype: Experts call him the top 2025 NBA Draft prospect, drawing comparisons to LeBron James.
- Grounded Roots: Despite fame, Flagg credits his small-town family life for keeping him humble.
Cooper Flagg’s Future Outlook
As of April 5, 2025, Cooper Flagg stands on the cusp of greatness. With Duke in the Final Four, a national championship could cap his college tenure, though most expect him to enter the 2025 NBA Draft, where a $12 million-plus rookie deal awaits. His NIL success—potentially growing if he returns to Duke—adds intrigue to his decision. Regardless, Flagg’s Wooden Award win on April 5 confirms his status as a basketball prodigy. From Newport to Durham and beyond, his journey blends talent, family support, and a hunger for excellence, promising a future as bright as his already remarkable present.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational and editorial purposes only. All facts, figures, and details about Cooper Flagg’s life, career, awards, and net worth are based on publicly available sources as of April 5, 2025. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, certain statistics, NIL valuations, and projections may be subject to change. This content does not serve as financial, legal, or professional advice. Any likeness to future events or earnings is purely speculative and should not be considered conclusive.