Wed Oct 30 16:30:00 UTC 2024: ## Maine Phenom Cooper Flagg Signs with Gatorade, Eyes Breakout Freshman Season at Duke

**Durham, NC** – Cooper Flagg, the highly touted 17-year-old freshman at Duke University, has become the first men’s college basketball player to sign a sponsorship deal with Gatorade. The 6’9″ phenom, who is projected as the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA draft, joins fellow basketball stars Paige Bueckers and JuJu Watkins in the Gatorade family.

Flagg’s exceptional talent and impressive performance in a scrimmage against the men’s national team over the summer, which even drew praise from LeBron James, have propelled him into the national spotlight. “I would say some of the biggest advice [from the national team players] was just to stay humble and keep working,” Flagg said. “It really is just about staying grounded and not getting too ahead of yourself.”

Flagg’s unique combination of size and athleticism, combined with his versatility, has drawn comparisons to former Duke star Jayson Tatum and even Zion Williamson. While Flagg acknowledges Tatum’s influence, he stresses that he’s focused on developing his own game.

Despite the whirlwind of attention and opportunities, Flagg maintains a grounded perspective. “I think for sure, growing up, that’s something that I had to deal with,” Flagg said about being underestimated as a player from Maine. “A lot of it was people telling me like, ‘I was just gonna be a kid from Maine. I would just play basketball in Maine.’ So, I think, going through that, I probably would’ve just thought [you were] lying, but I always kind of had my own self-confidence at the same time.”

With a packed schedule featuring high-profile matchups against Kentucky in the Champions Classic and No. 1 Kansas during Thanksgiving week, Flagg is excited about the upcoming season. He credits his family, friends, and teammates for helping him stay focused amidst the growing pressure and expectations.

The 2023-2024 season promises to be a breakout year for Cooper Flagg, and with his talent and dedication, it won’t be long before he takes the NBA by storm.

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