He was impressive at the U17 World Cup, almost even more so during his first high school season in the United States. Cooper Flagg could be the next nugget to watch on the other side of the Atlantic, we are talking here about a young fifteen-year-old with talent already present. But in fact, where does it come from? Can we have his stats? Can he end up in the NBA? Go relax with your feet in a fan, we answer all these questions.
Cooper Flagg, on first listen, it sounds like advertising for a city car capable of parking anywhere in Paris without arousing the attention of ASVP controllers. It is therefore difficult to imagine that behind this surname is actually hiding the one of the most promising prospects in the world of basketball. Let’s start by doing a little detailed review of the guy’s profile: Cooper Flagg is fifteen years old for 2.01 meters. Already, it conditions you physically the boy, of course dominant in his age category for the moment. Originally from Maine – in the far northeastern part of the United States – Cooper was lucky enough to grow up in a basketball-initiated family: Mom played four times in the NCAA finals with the University of Maine. Level of work ethic and transmission of passion, you will admit that we have done worse. As far as education is concerned, the little Cooper goes to school in Newport, the city where he is from. In 2021, he entered Nokomis Regional High School, the local private high school. Inevitably, he is integrated into the basketball team with already the label of a future great in the discipline. No worries, the averages for his first year at school confirm that the guy has gold in his hands: 21 points, 1o rebounds, 6 assists, 4 steals and 4 blocks in 22 games this season. More complete apart from bread, hard to find. Of course, such talent attracts rewards, so the kid is honored with multiple distinctions such as the best player in the state in his category, integration in the five of the competition disputed by his high school… in short, the course is for the moment at the top of the top.
GIMME THAT ???? @Cooper_Flagg
???????? #USABMU17 pic.twitter.com/yqguGBIZBW
— USABJNT (@usabjnt) July 10, 2022
So at the top, moreover, that Team USA wants to confront him with the best players of his generation during a camp last April. The stage is once again successfully validated, and the reward is nothing other than selection for the U17 national team for the World Cup in the category. Direction Malaga in Spain, its clear water beaches, its culture and its intoxicating climate. Except Cooper isn’t here to sightsee, and neither are his compatriots. The competition is only a kind of formality as Uncle Sam’s nephews have been able to dominate the debates. Spain in the final of the tournament? Yum, a good meal for Cooper: 10 points, 17 rebounds, 2 assists, 8 steals (!) and 4 blocks. A balloon magnet when it comes to cleaning the hoop, Flagg is also a great thief. We will also note his beautiful vista, since the boy is accustomed to pretty offerings to teammates, not the funky kind either but the efficient kind, and that is the main thing. Offensively, he was able to mark his territory well with a point of 18 units against Serbia in the quarters. We are therefore talking here about a multi-faceted talent, capable of contributing without counting on both sides of the field. His chances of going to the NBA? Well, above all, you will have to be patient to answer precisely. Cooper is talking about the class of 2025 or 2026, depending on the league’s thoughtful return to a possible Draft entry out of high school. What we must also understand is that the guy only has fifteen years. The time when basketball is crazy cool, but the body and mind are still under construction. So let’s give Mr. Drapeau time to grow serenely before considering him as a real NBA prospect, but let’s nevertheless appreciate the sporting qualities that are already a pleasure to watch.
SCARY HOURS ???????? @Cooper_Flagg
???????? #USABMU17 pic.twitter.com/7q6FXT1DDt
— USABJNT (@usabjnt) July 8, 2022
Here is a very promising young man! Cooper Flagg, you may be the future of basketball. In the meantime, take the time to grow anyway. While playing basketball of course, because that is your primary quality. Come on, we risk in any case to meet again very quickly.
Source : FIBA, USA Basketball
