The Duke Blue Devils’ legacy of unity and mentorship is being renewed in the NBA, as center Dereck Lively II extends a guiding hand to top pick Cooper Flagg in Dallas. The bond between these former Duke standouts—one-and‑done classmates by reputation, if not by years together—has already become a defining storyline for the Mavericks’ promising future.
Lively, who was picked 12th overall in the 2023 draft, remembers the isolation and pressure that comes with being a young pro. Now, he’s committed to making sure the 18-year-old Flagg never feels alone. “We welcome in Coop with open arms,” says Lively. “I called him earlier today. He’s always smiling, cracking jokes … I’m making sure that he feels as comfortable as possible, giving him any little detail or thing to get him by, because whenever I was in his position, I remember how frightened I was … he is 18.”
Their connection runs even deeper than NBA proximity. Lively and Flagg have known each other for years through Duke, giving their relationship both familiarity and trust. Lively reflects, “He’s just been the same, smiling, cracking-joke kid as I’ve always known … I’m glad that he has been able to still be a person and not having too much of the spotlight rain on him.”
The sentiment extends beyond the locker room. Duke head coach Jon Scheyer—who coached Lively before he declared for the draft—gleamed at the idea of Flagg joining his protégé in Dallas: “For me, the first thing I thought of is he gets to be with Dereck Lively.”
On the Mavericks side, the synergy is palpable. With Cooper Flagg, Dereck Lively II, and Kyrie Irving—all Blue Devils—Dallas has both NCAA-tested chemistry and potential for longevity. Their shared lineage and mutual understanding can help smooth Flagg’s transition. “There’s a supportive environment awaiting him in Dallas, which also includes teammate Dereck Lively,” noted Kyrie’s warm outlook on Flagg joining the team.
Lively’s mentorship goes beyond locker-room pep talks. He’s leading by example, sharing routines, habits, and insights into Dallas life—on and off the court. His guidance is bolstering Flagg’s confidence, helping him adjust to the grind of the NBA, from practice intensity to media attention, as the Mavericks look to build a new era.
Looking ahead, Cooper Flagg’s start in Dallas will be shaped not just by his generational talent, but by the camaraderie that Lively is helping foster. As the Duke tradition flourishes in Big D, it’s clear: in the NBA and beyond, brotherhood truly never dies.
