Cooper Flagg, a freshman playing men’s basketball at Duke and anticipated as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, has finalized a deal with New Balance for footwear and apparel.

This collaboration holds special significance for Flagg, who hails from Maine, where New Balance operates several manufacturing facilities, including one that recently expanded in Skowhegan, just 25 miles from his hometown of Newport.

“I have always worn New Balance, and I value their genuine ties to my community,” Flagg expressed in a press release. “The brand’s commitment to basketball and our aligned principles and background brought me in. From the very start, it felt like joining a family. I am thrilled to be a part of this family and assist in promoting the brand among young athletes.”

New Balance, based in Boston, launched the Flagg campaign with a photograph showing him in a driveway with a hoop attached to a garage, holding a newspaper featuring the headline: “Cooper Flagg, The Intelligent Choice.”

Flagg impressed during the USA Basketball pre-Olympics training camp in Las Vegas in early July. He was selected for a team that scrimmaged against the Olympic squad and shone brightly at times, especially in offensive plays against NBA stars.

Notable athletes such as Los Angeles Clippers All-Star Kawhi Leonard and Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray are also associated with New Balance.