Incoming college freshman Cooper Flagg is one of the sport's hottest names. After a sensational showing with the USA Basketball Select Team that thrilled NBA coaches and players alike, sports footwear and apparel company New Balance quickly jumped on the bandwagon and signed the talented prospect to a shoe endorsement deal.
The multi-year deal will reportedly include a name, image, and likeness (NIL) deal for what is widely expected to be his lone year at Duke University before he transitions to the NBA. According to the 6'9" forward, his decision to sign with New Balance had roots close to home.
Used to go to New Balance tent sales with his mom
Cooper was born and raised in Newport, Maine, which is 25 miles away from the sporting apparel company's manufacturing factory in Skowhegan, Maine. In an interview with ESPN, Flagg relayed how he used to go to tent sales with his mother to purchase sneakers and apparel that he used for school.
"The connection with New Balance as a family company and a company with Maine roots means a lot to me. That makes this really different and special. My mom used to go to the tent sale for back-to-school shopping there when we were kids. That really aligns the brand with my roots. It's a perfect fit," Cooper stated .
While he grew up harboring dreams of making it to the NBA, it's an entirely different thing to have an endorsement deal with a major sporting apparel company like New Balance—an opportunity not many athletes receive. Cooper joins the brand's impressive roster of basketball athletes led by two-time NBA Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard, All-Star guard Tyrese Maxey, and NBA champion Jamal Murray.
"As a younger kid, I can think back to dreaming about things like this. It's an incredible opportunity, and I'm really blessed and grateful to be put in this position," Cooper conveyed.
On an upward trajectory
Flagg was already a known name in the basketball world. He was named the Gatorade National Player of the Year after leading Montverde Academy to a perfect 34-0 record and the national title. During his senior season, he averaged 16.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 3.7 steals, and 3.7 blocks per game.
However, the entire country began noticing when he was selected to play for the U.S. Select Team. He held his own against the hoop legends playing for Team USA, such as Kevin Durant, LeBron James, and Steph Curry.
Cooper is slated to become the first overall pick of the 2025 NBA Draft. A lot can still happen between his freshman season in the NCAA and his eventual jump to the pros, but all signs point to him being a dominant force at both levels.
Related: "LeBron wasn't practicing with the Olympic team at 17 years old" - Carmelo on how special Cooper Flagg is and can be
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