Sports
When the Dallas Mavericks picked Cooper Flagg as Nº 1 overall pick the 2025 NBA Draft, they just proved what we all knew. The star from Duke had always been seen as the best prospect for this year for a long time, with no rival in his class.
However, one other thing hat really caught everyone’s attention was the nummber he chose to represent the Mavericks. The Nº 32.
Cooper Flagg to be the youngest first overall pick since LeBron James
Look back in Flagg’s life
As we all know, Flagg always takes this important decisions in a very nostalgic-personal way. As he was wearing Nº 2 when his wonderful season at Duke, he was earning the National Player of the Year honors and leading the Blue Devils to the Final Four. Now, it is clear that in his return to No. 32 with the Mavericks, is a tribute to his beginnings and his roots.
Another cool fact is that the Nº 23 it’s the same number his mother, Kelly Flagg, wore during her own high school basketball days. It is said that her inspiration about that number came from Duke legend Shristian Laettner. It is funny because his jersey is hanged in the rafters at Cameroon Indoor Stadium.
Since Laettner’s number was not available to take at Duke as it was retired, Flagg couldn’t wear it in college. He went with Nº 2 to show love and honor for Donovan Kurt, a close friend and old team mate of his big brother who died from cancer just before Flagg picked Duke. That pick also had deep meaning for him too.
The decision was already made
Now, able to pick any number he wants in Dallas, Flagg is going back to his family’s basketball roots. “I wouldn’t be here without these people right here,” he said to ESPN on draft night, along with his. “And all my people back home in Maine. They’re here for me, and I wouldn’t be here without them.”
The Mavericks, who must come back stronger next year after a rough 2024-25 season, see Flagg as potential gold mine for the future. His jersey, now on sale, will likely be a hit in Dallas, not just for his skill, but for the story in its number.
‘Nº 32’. More than just a number
Cooper Flagg’s connection to No. 32 is more than just simple nostalgia, it shows his deep bond to his family, hometown… and the current short path his basketball story.
Flagg, a star from Newport, Maine, is the first-ever Nº 1 overall NBA Draft pick from the state, and he is really proud of it His nod to his roots has made him a local hero and a tale known all over.
Even beyond sentimental feelings, his choice shows his true belief in himself. While some rookies may want a big new look in the pros, Flagg sticks to who he is and where he is from. This realness is winning fans in Dallas and beyond.
His move to the NBA also starts a hopeful new chapter for the Mavericks. Dallas aims to build their future around Flagg– and profit from his elite defense, passing skills and instinct, and a leadership rarely seen in a teenager.
Now, besides of the important stuff, people are comparing him to legends like Larry Bird and Kevin Garnett, so you might have to go pick his jersey just in case it is the start of a great NBA legend.
This news was originally published on this post .
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