From No. 1 Pick to Camp MVP : Cooper Flagg Surprises Kids at Mavs Academy in Fort Worth

From No. 1 Pick to Camp MVP 🏀👑: Cooper Flagg Surprises Kids at Mavs Academy in Fort Worth

It hasn’t even been a full week since Cooper Flagg made history as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, but the 6-foot-9 Dallas Mavericks rookie is already showing the world what kind of star he’s going to be and it’s bigger than basketball.

On Tuesday afternoon in Fort Worth, Texas, Flagg pulled off a surprise visit to the Mavs Academy Hoop Camp, a summer staple for young basketball lovers across the region. What began as a regular day of layup lines and shooting drills turned into an unforgettable moment as the former Duke phenom walked into the gym, drawing immediate cheers and stunned silence from kids who couldn’t believe what they were seeing.

Without cameras rolling or a PR script in hand, Flagg simply grabbed a ball and joined the fun.

A Day the Kids Will Never Forget 🧒🏀

Flagg didn’t just wave and leave he fully immersed himself in the camp. He ran through shooting drills, offered tips on footwork, and rebounded for kids during their free throws. He even stepped into a live game of Knockout, laughing with the campers and playing just competitively enough to keep them smiling. At one point, he deliberately missed a shot to let a young camper win and the gym erupted.

He followed it up with a Q&A session, where he answered questions ranging from “What’s it like being in the NBA?” to “Do you eat Chick-fil-A?” With patience and humor, Flagg connected with the campers, not as a superstar, but as someone who was just like them a few years ago.

“It was a ton of fun,” Flagg said. “I love working with kids and getting in the gym… I was them not too long ago, so it’s fun to see the next generation.”

A Rising Star Already Shining Off the Court 🌟

While Mavericks fans are already excited about what Flagg brings on the hardwood length, athleticism, elite instincts this surprise camp appearance showcased something just as important: his heart.

Flagg didn’t have to be there. He wasn’t promoting a brand or hosting a formal event. This was a genuine moment of giving back, of remembering where he came from, and inspiring the next wave of young athletes.

Photos from the event showed campers beaming as they got autographs, group selfies, and personal encouragement from the NBA’s top draft pick. For many, it was more than just meeting a player it was meeting hope in human form.

And for Dallas, a city that prides itself on community, grit, and heart, Flagg feels like the perfect fit.

Mavs Fans Have a Reason to Believe 🐴💙

From Maine high school gyms to Duke’s Cameron Indoor, and now the Mavericks’ locker room, Cooper Flagg has remained grounded, driven, and committed to the people around him.

As training camp approaches and the NBA spotlight grows hotter, Flagg’s Tuesday visit to Mavs Academy proves he’s more than ready for the pressure and more than willing to use his platform for good.