"We're All Very Pleased and Proud of Him" - How Cooper Flagg's Draft Night United a Small Town in Pride
Cooper Flagg went first overall to the Dallas Mavericks, injecting his 6-foot-8 two-way skill set and Duke-freshman resume into a star-studded roster on Wednesday night. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
Dylan Harper and Cooper Flagg (right) gather for a photo before the start of the first round of the NBA basketball draft in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
Cooper Flagg went first overall to the Dallas Mavericks, injecting his 6-foot-8 two-way skill set and Duke-freshman resume into a star-studded roster on Wednesday night. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
Dylan Harper and Cooper Flagg (right) gather for a photo before the start of the first round of the NBA basketball draft in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
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Cooper Flagg's
meteoric rise from Newport, Maine, to the top pick in the
2025 NBA Draft
has sparked a wave of pride and celebration in his hometown. As the
Dallas Mavericks
called his name first on draft night, the reaction in Newport was nothing short of jubilant.
Cooper Flagg's NBA Draft Drew Heartfelt Reactions from fellow Newport Residents
Newport, a close-knit town of just over 3,000 residents nestled on the shores of Sebasticook Lake, has always been proud of its local talent, but Cooper Flagg's achievement has elevated that pride to new heights. On the night of the NBA Draft, multiple watch parties were held across town, with locals gathering at venues like Hamlin Marina and The Grove to witness history together. The sense of community was palpable, with residents donning Duke jerseys and sharing stories of Flagg's formative years.
Here's what locals had to say:
- 'We are all very pleased. Proud of him. Obviously, a small-town boy doing good, and again, he's a good kid from good stock. The whole town is very proud of him.'
- 'It's really cool, especially since it's such a small town that someone's doing that. It's really great.'
- 'Quite incredible that somebody from Newport, Maine, has gone that far. It's great for the whole state.'
Young fans look up to the NBA-bound star
Flagg's influence extends beyond adults—kids in Newport see him as a role model.
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One parent shared how their 9-year-old son, who attended Flagg's basketball camp last year, was in awe of his success.
- 'We're actually really excited. My son, who's 9, looks up to him very much. He went to the camp last year, so it was kind of a surreal thing for him to see that.'
Messages of support pour in for Flagg
Cooper Flagg went first overall to the Dallas Mavericks, injecting his 6-foot-8 two-way skill set and Duke-freshman resume into a star-studded roster on Wednesday night. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
Locals didn't hold back in sharing their well-wishes for the young athlete. From store employees to longtime residents, the sentiment was the same: pride and encouragement.
- 'Cooper, the town of Newport thanks you. Good job out there. Be a winner.'
- 'Just keep doing what you're doing. He's a great kid, very humble, and doesn't forget his hometown.'
- 'All I could say is congratulations from the Bartler family.'
Cooper Flagg's Personal Connections and Hometown Memories
For many in Newport,
Cooper Flagg
is more than just a basketball phenom—he's the kid who grew up down the street, the teammate, the friend, and the student. Missy and Peter Seehusen, whose children went to school with Flagg, reminisced about the playful rivalry between Cooper and their daughter, recalling how he and his twin brother Ace would 'steal snacks at recess'.
Travis Turner, assistant fire chief, highlighted the town's tight-knit nature, noting that 'everybody is real close to each other, it brings that morale out'.
Kendra Hartsgrove, whose son played alongside Flagg on the Nokomis High School team that won its first state title in 2022, described the atmosphere as 'heartwarming' and 'emotional,' underscoring how meaningful it is for the community to see one of their own reach such heights.
Statewide Recognition:
Cooper Flagg Day
T
he excitement in Newport was matched at the state level. Governor Janet Mills officially declared June 25, 2025, as 'Cooper Flagg Day' throughout Maine, praising Flagg's 'extraordinary talent and dedication' and calling him 'a source of tremendous pride for Maine'. The governor's proclamation encouraged all Mainers to celebrate Flagg's achievement and the inspiration he provides to youth across the state.
Local businesses also joined in the celebration. Maine-based New Balance, which partners with Flagg, raised flags at its facilities in Norway and Skowhegan to mark the occasion, further cementing the connection between Flagg's success and his Maine roots.
A Humble Star Who Remembers His Roots
Despite his national acclaim and the bright lights of the NBA, Flagg remains grounded and deeply appreciative of his hometown. In interviews, he expressed gratitude for the support from Newport and the entire state:
'It means a lot to me to have the support of the whole state.
I know how many people showed up today and support me and some of the draft parties back home. So, it feels amazing knowing that I can inspire younger kids. You know, I was in their shoes really not that long ago so just to know I can give those kids those feelings and have the whole state behind me. It means a lot,' Flagg said.
The Biggest Thing to Ever Happen in Newport
Locals agree that Flagg's achievement is unprecedented for their small town. ESPN's Marty Smith, reporting live from Newport, described the atmosphere as 'idyllic Americana,' with rows of American flags lining Elm Street and a palpable sense of excitement throughout the community.
Residents spoke with pride about how Flagg's humility, work ethic, and team spirit have made him not just a basketball star, but a role model for Newport and beyond.
As Cooper Flagg embarks on his NBA journey with the Dallas Mavericks, his hometown of Newport will continue to cheer him on, united by the pride of seeing one of their own reach the pinnacle of basketball. For Newport, Flagg's story is more than just a sports achievement—it's a testament to the power of community, perseverance, and staying true to one's roots.
Also read:
LeBron James Reflects on His Most Blatant Travel Violation on 'Mind The Game' Hosted By Steve Nash - "I Traveled Like a Mother!"
In Newport, the flag will fly a little higher, and the sense of possibility for the next generation will burn a little brighter, thanks to Cooper Flagg.
Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
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