Cooper Flagg Signs with New Balance Ahead of Season with Duke

The projected top pick in 2025 has signed a shoe deal with New Balance.

Apr 1, 2024; Houston, TX, USA; McDonald's All American East forward Cooper Flagg speaks during a press conference at JW Marriott Houston by The Galleria. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports / Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports

Cooper Flagg — a Duke forward and likely the consensus top basketball prospect in the world regardless of age — has signed a shoe deal with New Balance.

At just 17, Flagg was able to sign the deal at an unprecedented point in his career with the emergence of name, image and likeness rules added to collegiate sports. He was an easy selection on New Balance’ end with his close proximity to the company in Maine, as well as his status as an up-and-coming player.

Flagg has long been a dominant two-way force on the preps circuit, most recently averaging 16.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 3.7 steals and 3.7 blocks per game for Montverde in Florida. He earned the Gatorade National Player of the Year Award in the process.

Flagg now joins a growing roster of New Balance athletes, with other NBA notables including Tyrese Maxey, Jamal Murray, Kawhi Leonard and more.

“I grew up wearing New Balance, and I appreciate their authentic connection to my community,” Flagg said. “The focus and growth of the brand in basketball and our shared values and history drew me in. From day one, it was clear that this would be a family-like partnership.”

Flagg will don his New Balance’s for Duke next season, more than likely as their No. 1 option as they continue to contend for the national championship year in and out.

Even putting together a middle-ground type season with the Blue Devils would help Flagg keep his claim on the No. 1 spot, as his ability at 6-foot-9 on both ends of the court already has NBA franchises salivating.

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