Cooper Flagg has made yet another significant decision. Just prior to his inaugural (and probably singular) season with the Duke Blue Devils, the leading 2025 NBA Draft candidate has opted to partner with New Balance, as reported by Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN. The Duke basketball freshman cited the company’s connection to his home state of Maine as a key reason influencing his choice to affiliate with New Balance.
“The bond with New Balance as a family-run business and a brand with roots in Maine holds great meaning for me,” Flagg stated. “That makes this exceedingly unique and special. My mom used to attend the tent sale for back-to-school shopping when we were youngsters. That really connects the brand with my background. It’s an ideal match.”
Flagg becomes part of an expanding roster of athletes under New Balance, featuring Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi Leonard. Other notable names associated with the brand include Jamal Murray of the Denver Nuggets, Zach LaVine of the Chicago Bulls, Dejounte Murray of the New Orleans Pelicans, Darius Garland of the Cleveland Cavaliers, Los Angeles Sparks rookie Cameron Brink, and Philadelphia 76ers standout guard Tyrese Maxey.
What distinguishes Flagg from these athletes is that he remains in college. However, the outlook appears promising for the Duke basketball prospect, who is set to enhance his reputation once he begins his play in the 2024-25 college basketball season. Prior to committing to the Blue Devils, Flagg received offers from institutions such as the Georgia Bulldogs, Iowa Hawkeyes, Michigan Wolverines, UCLA Bruins, UConn Huskies, West Virginia Mountaineers, and Maine Black Bears.
“As a younger child, I can reflect on dreaming about opportunities like this,” Flagg conveyed to ESPN regarding his latest off-the-court venture. “It’s an extraordinary chance, and I feel truly fortunate and appreciative to be in this situation.”
Fans respond to Duke basketball freshman Cooper Flagg’s selection of New Balance
“I don’t think enough individuals recognize that this kid is NEXT. Best NBA prospect out of the US in a long, looooong time.” – @SportsarenatzTz
“Not gonna lie, Cooper Flagg seems like a New Balance type of guy. Sincerely, A 41-year-old dad currently sporting New Balances” – @SteveKBark
“I think it’s amazing to witness these college athletes being endorsed by major shoe brands like HVL with Adidas, DJ Wagner with Nike, and Flagg with NB, among others.” – @BasketballAAL
From @kris34__: “New Balance is about to become the trendiest sneaker in Brooklyn. See you soon, Cooper. You’re joining a 35-win team that hit the jackpot because after Kyrie, we deserve it.”
Image Source: Cooper Flagg @ Instagram
