Cooper Flagg Captured: 10 Things You Didn’t Know About the Mavs’ 18-Year-Old Superstar Pick

Cooper Flagg Captured: 10 Things You Didn’t Know About the Mavs’ 18-Year-Old Superstar Pick 👀🔥

Dallas has officially entered the Flagg era.

On Wednesday night, the Dallas Mavericks made it official  they selected Duke sensation Cooper Flagg with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. The move was expected, but what comes next? The Mavericks aren’t just betting on talent. They’re investing in a generational player to carry the torch left behind by Luka Dončić.

So, who is Cooper Flagg? Beyond the viral highlights, the accolades, and the viral side-eyes here are 10 fascinating facts you need t

1. Flagg Makes Mavericks History Again

Flagg becomes just the second No. 1 overall pick in Mavs history. The first? Mark Aguirre in 1981. Aguirre went on to be a 3-time All-Star for Dallas. If Flagg matches (or exceeds) that, he’ll be considered a cornerstone of a new dynasty.

2. Stat Sheet King at Duke

Flagg dominated college basketball in his lone season at Duke:

• 19.2 PPG
• 7.5 RPG
• 4.2 APG
• 1.4 SPG
• 1.4 BPG

Only one other freshman in the last 25 years matched that five-stat dominance: Ben Simmons, also a No. 1 pick. Flagg led Duke in all five categories  a rare feat.

3. Wearing No. 32 in Dallas

Flagg won’t just turn heads with his play he’ll do it in a fresh jersey. The Mavs confirmed he’ll be wearing No. 32, a number loaded with style and statement.

4. The Youngest Maverick Draft Pick EVER

At just 18 years and 187 days, Flagg is officially the youngest player ever drafted by Dallas. Only LeBron James was younger when picked No. 1 in 2003 by just eight days.

5. Player of the Year as a Freshman

Flagg joins Zion Williamson as the only Duke freshmen to win the Naismith College Player of the Year. Let that sink in. He’s already in rare company and just getting started.

6. A Gold Medalist Already 🇺🇸

Flagg has been repping Team USA since his teens. He helped lead the U.S. to gold at the FIBA U17 World Cup and earned a spot on the USA Select Team for the 2024 Olympics. You could say international greatness is already baked in.

7. A Parade Thrown in His Honor

Back in Maine, Flagg was already a local legend by ninth grade. After leading Nokomis Regional High to its first-ever state title, the entire community threw him a parade. That’s small-town stardom at its finest.

8. He’s STILL 18 (For Now)

When the Mavs tip off the 2025-26 season, Flagg will still be just 18 years old. His birthday? December 21. That’s right  he won’t be legally allowed to drink when he’s throwing down dunks on Victor Wembanyama in the opener.

9. The New Face of New Balance

Flagg signed with New Balance before ever playing a college game. Although Duke’s Nike deal forced him to wear Swoosh in-season, he made the switch official at the NBA Combine  rocking the HESI LOW V2 “Sunfade Red” in Chicago.

10. Elite Court Vision & Versatility

Flagg became the first ACC freshman in 25 years to score over 500 points and dish over 100 assists in a season. According to Team USA boss Grant Hill, what sets Flagg apart is his basketball IQ and adaptability. “He reads the game and gives his team whatever it needs to win,” Hill said.

BONUS: Flagg’s Got Swagger & Substance

From side-eyeing the GM at his first press conference to stealing MVP honors at nearly every level he’s touched, Cooper Flagg is more than a prospect. He’s a movement. A player with sky-high potential and the calm confidence to carry a franchise still healing from the Luka Dončić trade.

The Mavericks didn’t just draft a player  they drafted their future.

And if these 10 facts are any indication… that future looks bright. 🌟