Following a performance that fully encapsulates what makes Cooper Flagg, a Newport, ME native, the #1 basketball player in the class of 2025, he got to chop it up with somebody who has a lot of experience with being the center of attention before they even get their cap and gown. Amongst NBA scouts, D1 college head coaches, and basketball heads galore sat LeBron James, taking in the sights and sounds of the EYBL – arguably the highest level basketball circuit you can be showcased at in your high school years. LeBron was of course in attendance to watch his youngest son, Bryce, but that didn’t stop him from watching Cooper and seeing what we all see: this kid is next up.
With an absurd stat line of 38 points, 16 rebounds, 6 assists, and an unreal 11 blocks – including the game saving block – Cooper showed the world there’s a reason why he’s the #1 prospect in the entire country. What makes it even more special? He’s doing this with his twin brother and a group of kids from the 207, all wearing “MAINE” proudly across their chests for all of these big names to see. Something tells me that a state not quite known for basketball or really even producing pro-level athletes in general, for that matter, is going to see an uptick in not only the eyes and scholarship offers, but kids in general saying to themselves, “Hey…that could be me!”
The NBA’s official social media accounts also had a field day posting Cooper and Maine United’s highlights from the game as well. Pretty cool day, if you ask me. I think I speak for everybody when I say the entire state of Maine can’t wait to watch and follow the journey – now let’s hope he doesn’t wind up being drafted to the Lakers or Heat somehow in a few years so I can proudly buy and rock his NBA jersey someday!
