Hometown fans remain ‘wicked proud’ of Cooper Flagg after NCAA tournament……..
The streets of Newport, Maine may be quiet this time of year, but inside diners, high school gyms, and coffee shops, there’s one name that echoes louder than ever: Cooper Flagg. Though the NCAA tournament ended without a national championship for Duke, the pride his hometown feels hasn’t dimmed in the slightest. If anything, it’s only grown stronger. Flagg’s performance, maturity, and passion throughout March Madness reminded his community exactly why they’ve been cheering him on since his middle school days.
Flagg, the 6-foot-9 forward and former top high school recruit in the nation, became a household name during his freshman season at Duke. Entering the NCAA tournament with sky-high expectations, he didn’t disappoint. Averaging nearly a double-double and consistently putting on defensive clinics, Flagg’s on-court presence turned heads—even among the most jaded basketball pundits. But for Newport, it wasn’t just the stats that mattered; it was how he carried himself. “He plays with heart,” said Pete Carmichael, a longtime Newport teacher and hoops fan. “And you can tell he’s still that humble kid who used to shoot hoops behind the school after hours.”
Even as Duke’s tournament run came to an end in the Elite Eight, fans back home viewed it all as a stepping stone for Flagg. Local sports bars were packed during every game, with people wearing custom “Flagg 1” jerseys, Duke blue hoodies, and even homemade signs. Social media in the region lit up with pride after each of his standout performances. “Wicked proud,” wrote one commenter under a highlight reel posted by a Maine sports page. That phrase has become a bit of a motto in town, symbolizing the admiration and loyalty the community feels toward their rising star.
What’s made Flagg so beloved back home isn’t just his game—it’s his roots. He still visits Newport regularly, maintains relationships with his old coaches and teammates, and remains deeply connected to the local basketball scene. His twin brother, Ace, and their family are still fixtures in the area, and locals say the Flagg family hasn’t changed a bit despite the growing spotlight. “Cooper could be on the cover of every magazine in the country, but when he comes home, he’s just Coop,” said Jill Morton, a neighbor who’s watched him grow up. “He’ll stop by the school, take pictures with the kids, and talk about how proud he is to be from here.”
The pride in Flagg has also sparked a resurgence in local youth basketball. At Nokomis Regional High School—his alma mater—youth sign-ups have tripled, and the gym is buzzing with new energy. Coaches credit Flagg’s rise for giving kids a real, tangible dream to chase. “When they see someone from right here make it to Duke, it changes what they think is possible,” said Nokomis coach Brian Nichols. “Cooper’s not just an athlete; he’s an inspiration.” Local businesses have also leaned in, with many hanging banners or offering Flagg-themed specials on game days.
Looking ahead, the buzz around Flagg’s future continues to grow. NBA scouts have already penciled him in as a top pick in the 2026 draft, and endorsements are likely to follow. But for the people of Newport, those things are just icing on the cake. What really matters is that he continues to represent them with pride, integrity, and passion. “No matter where he goes or how far he climbs,” said Carmichael, “he’ll always be our hometown hero.” And in Newport, Maine, that means more than any trophy or title ever could.
