The Newport native and Dallas Mavericks rookie became the first basketball player to win the award in nine years.

The Duke Blue Devils went on a great run during the 2024-25 college basketball season. Led by Cooper Flagg, the storied program made it all the way to the Final Four before being eliminated by the Houston Cougars.

The Dallas Mavericks (literally) got a winning lottery ticket in Cooper Flagg, and head coach Jason Kidd has been experimenting with how best to use him at the NBA Summer League. While Flagg is traditionally seen as a forward - likely a power forward with a larger center on the floor with him - Kidd appears to be trying something different.

Marshall is entering his second season in Dallas and he’s instantly become a fan favorite. Known for his toughness and two-way versatility, Marshall was welcomed by the large group of campers shortly after he walked into the gymnasium of the Mavericks’ practice facility just after 12:30 p.m. on Friday.

Cooper Flagg has drawn national attention since being selected No. 1 overall by the Dallas Mavericks, but one of the NBA’s most iconic figures says the best thing the 18-year-old can do right now is take his time.

True ball-knowners will recall Flagg's super-excited reaction to hearing Knueppel's name called at No. 4 back in June. At the time, Flagg was speaking with journalist Taylor Rooks, but cut himself off mid-sentence to cheer for his friend and former teammate as he walked to greet commissioner Adam Silver on stage.

After being drafted No. 1 overall, Cooper Flagg was one player many anxiously awaited to see in action during Summer League. Though his time on the court was brief, it was still enough for the touted prospect to get a shoutout from a fellow pro athlete.