Cooper Flagg, the 17-year-old Duke freshman projected to be the No. 1 pick in the NBA draft next June, has signed a shoe deal before even stepping on an NCAA court.
Flagg reached a deal with New Balance, a story broken by Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN and confirmed by New Balance. Part of why he signed with New Balance is the company’s connection with his home state of Maine.
Cooper Flagg, The Intelligent Choice. pic.twitter.com/JvvvMM9lfm
— New Balance (@newbalance) August 26, 2024
“The connection with New Balance as a family company and a company with Maine roots means a lot to me,” Flagg told ESPN. “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.”
While New Balance may be paying Flagg, Duke has a contract with Nike so the freshman will have to wear Nike shoes and gear while in college.
Flagg is a 6'9" two-way wing who was named the Gatorade National Player of the Year at Montverde Academy in Florida during his senior season.
This summer, he stood out as part of the USA Select team that worked out with the USA Basketball squad that went on to win gold at the Paris Olympics. On a Select roster that included NBA players Jalen Duren (Detroit), Jaime Jaquez Jr. (Miami), Brandon Miller (Charlotte), Trey Murphy (New Orleans), Keegan Murray (Sacramento), Brandin Podziemski (Golden State), Jalen Suggs (Orlando) and Amen Thompson (Houston), Flagg stood out as one of the best players on that roster. He was impressive in scrimmages against Team USA and looked as good or better than any of the pros.
Flagg looks like an NBA franchise cornerstone in a draft with a few players who have that potential (Ace Baley at Rutgers, VJ Edgecombe at Baylor, Dylan Harper at Rutgers). Thanks to the NIL, Flagg doesn’t have to waste a year of his earning potential to go through the motions of amateurism before becoming a pro, he is earning money now. And a signature shoe is likely in his future.