Get ready to feel the seismic shockwaves! Cooper Flagg—Duke’s 6-foot-9 dynamo from Newport, Maine—made his dramatic return to New England, and the basketball world EXPLODED in response.
In his only game in the region this season—facing Boston College at Conte Forum—Flagg delivered a performance as epic as his hometown roots: 28 points, five rebounds, four assists, two steals, and two blocks. He helped Duke steamroll the Eagles 88–63, marking Duke’s 12th straight win in a dazzling display of dominance.
Conte Forum? Packed. Sold out. Buzzing with Duke blue. Fans poured in from Maine—driving more than 200 miles—overflowing the arena as they gave Flagg a hero’s welcome.
After the final horn, while BC fans filtered out, the Duke faithful stayed glued to the court—giving the hometown hero a final, roaring standing ovation as he strode off.
“This was my dream growing up, my entire life. … I’m just trying to enjoy it and just stay in the moment,” Flagg said, his voice echoing far beyond the hardwood. For a Maine kid who grew up cheering for the Celtics and the Red Sox, this was more than a game—it was HOME.
Echoing the impact, Coach Jon Scheyer marveled at the turnout: “This is as close as we’re going to get to Maine… I think the best I’ve ever seen it.”
Flagg’s journey from small-town Maine to the high-voltage college hardwood isn’t just a path—it’s a statement. He’s a national sensation, projected as the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, yet rooted deeply in the community that raised him. His performance in Boston wasn’t just a stat line—it was a masterclass in dominance, identity, and hometown pride.
With every long-distance drive and every cheer, Cooper Flagg reminds us that where you come from doesn’t limit how high you can rise—it fuels you. Now, as Duke heads into the rest of the season with Flagg as its firestarter, one thing’s clear: the spotlight isn’t just on him—it’s around him—and New England ignited.
