Who is Cooper Flagg? Injury Status, Personal Life, Girlfriend, Career, and Net Worth

Cooper Flagg Injury Update

Who is Cooper Flagg?

Cooper Flagg is a prominent American college basketball player, currently playing as a freshman for the Duke Blue Devils in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). Born on December 21, 2006, in Newport, Maine, Flagg has rapidly ascended in the basketball world, earning recognition for his versatility, athleticism, and basketball IQ.

Standing at 6 feet 9 inches and weighing 205 pounds, he plays both shooting guard and small forward positions.​

The 18-year-old Flagg is projected to be the No. 1 pick in June's NBA Draft

Injury Update Status

On March 13, 2025, during the ACC Tournament quarterfinal against Georgia Tech, Flagg suffered a left ankle injury.

The incident occurred late in the first half when he landed awkwardly after attempting to secure a defensive rebound. Flagg was assisted off the court and initially taken to the locker room in a wheelchair, raising concerns about the severity of the injury.

However, X-rays were negative, and he returned to the bench without crutches or a walking boot. His status for the upcoming NCAA Tournament remains uncertain, pending further evaluation.

Biography

Flagg's basketball journey began at Nokomis Regional High School in Newport, Maine, where he made an immediate impact as a freshman. He became the first freshman in Maine history to be named Gatorade Player of the Year, leading Nokomis to a Class A state championship with a standout performance in the title game. Seeking to challenge himself against higher competition, Flagg transferred to Montverde Academy in Florida, a school renowned for producing NBA talent.

At Montverde, he continued to excel, earning MVP honors at the 2023 Hoophall Classic and leading his team to an undefeated season and a national title. Flagg's high school accolades include being named Gatorade National Player of the Year, Mr. Basketball USA, and Naismith Prep Player of the Year. ​

Personal Life

Flagg comes from a basketball-oriented family. His mother, Kelly, played college basketball at the University of Maine, serving as team captain during her senior year.

His father, Ralph, played at Eastern Maine Community College. Flagg has a fraternal twin brother, Ace, who was his teammate at Nokomis and later transferred to Greensboro Day School. Ace has verbally committed to play at the University of Maine starting in the 2025–26 season.

Flagg also has an older brother, Hunter, who played basketball at Nokomis. The family relocated to Florida following Cooper and Ace's transfer to Montverde Academy. ​

Girlfriend

Cooper Flagg is currently in a relationship with Lola Ressler, a soccer player at Montverde Academy. The couple garnered attention when they showcased their prom outfits in a video, with Flagg in a grey suit and Ressler in a navy blue dress. ​

Ressler, a talented soccer player, has been supportive of Flagg's basketball career. Their relationship reflects a shared commitment to athletics and mutual support.​

Flagg maintains an active presence on social media, sharing moments from his basketball journey and personal life. His Instagram account features posts about his commitment to Duke University and appearances on magazine covers. ​

While Flagg and Ressler have shared aspects of their relationship publicly, they also value their privacy, focusing on their respective athletic careers and personal growth.​

As Flagg continues his basketball career at Duke University, Ressler's support remains a significant aspect of his personal life, highlighting the balance between personal relationships and professional aspirations.

Education

After completing his high school education at Montverde Academy, Flagg committed to Duke University, enrolling in June 2024 to participate in summer practices. He chose Duke over other offers, including one from the University of Connecticut. Flagg's decision was influenced by Duke's storied basketball program and its track record of developing NBA talent. ​

Career

Flagg made an immediate impact in his collegiate debut on November 4, 2024, against the University of Maine, scoring 18 points, grabbing seven rebounds, and dishing out five assists in a 96-62 victory.

Throughout the season, he has averaged 19.8 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game, showcasing his ability to contribute across multiple facets of the game. A highlight of his freshman year was a record-breaking performance against Notre Dame on January 12, 2025, where he scored 42 points, setting new freshman scoring records for both Duke and the ACC.

Flagg's versatility and skill set have solidified his status as a top prospect for the 2025 NBA Draft. ​

Future After Injury

Flagg suffered an ankle sprain after landing awkwardly following a rebound. X-rays were negative, coach Jon Scheyer said afterward

The recent ankle injury has raised concerns about Flagg's availability for the upcoming NCAA Tournament, where Duke is projected as a No. 1 seed and a strong title contender. The severity of the sprain will determine his recovery timeline; a Grade 1 sprain could sideline him for one to two weeks, while a Grade 2 sprain might require three weeks or more, potentially ending his college season. Flagg's recovery is being closely monitored, and his return will be pivotal for Duke's championship aspirations. ​

Net Worth

Flagg's marketability has led to significant earnings through Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals. He has secured endorsements with major brands such as New Balance and Gatorade, becoming the first men's college basketball player to partner with Gatorade. These deals have elevated his NIL valuation to approximately $2.6 million, placing him among the top earners in college sports. His projected net worth, considering potential NBA earnings and endorsements, is estimated to be between $1.4 million and $3.3 million. ​

Conclusion

Cooper Flagg's rapid rise in the basketball world is a testament to his talent, work ethic, and strategic decisions. From his early days in Maine to the national stage with Duke, he has consistently demonstrated excellence on and off the court. As he navigates his recovery from injury, the basketball community eagerly anticipates his return and continued contributions to the sport.

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