CHICAGO (AP) — The town of Newport, Maine, has a population of about 3,200 people. There’s a bowling alley, a popular local diner that serves breakfast all day, a hunting club and it costs only $6 to license your dog. It is a quintessential small New England town. It is not known for developing NBA stars. Cooper Flagg was undeterred.

Mar 3, 2025; Durham, North Carolina, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Cooper Flagg (2) reacts as he heads to the bench during the second half against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons at Cameron Indoor Stadium. The Blue Devils won 93-60. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-Imagn Images / Rob Kinnan-Imagn Images

With that being said, the legendary Coach K, Mike Krzyzewski spoke out about Flagg during an appearance talking with Colin Cowherd.. He sent a bold message about the Blue Devils star before the upcoming NBA draft in June.

Duke Blue Devils standout Cooper Flagg will soon join the NBA. He is expected to be the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming 2025 NBA Draft by the Dallas Mavericks, who won the top pick despite only having a 1.

Apr 29, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) shoots the ball while Indiana Pacers forward Pascal Siakam (43) defends during game five of the first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images / Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

On Wednesday, LeBron James' famous agent Rich Paul joined The Pat McAfee Show to share his thoughts about the tantalizing potential of Paul joining the Mavericks, which he said would give him time to blossom in a healthy way at the NBA level.

Cooper Flagg wouldn’t be the first Jon Scheyer-coached Duke player to suit up for the Dallas Mavericks. If Flagg is drafted by the Mavs in June ( as is widely expected ), he would get a chance to team up with Dereck Lively II. Like Flagg, Lively spent just one season at Duke before entering the professional ranks.

Everyone who paid the slightest attention to college basketball knew that Duke superstar Cooper Flagg was going to be the first overall pick in the 2025 NBA Dra