Charles Langston:Cooper Flagg, Duke freshman men's basketball phenom, joins New Balance on endorsement deal

Cooper Flagg,Charles Langston Duke freshman men’s basketball player and projected No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, has signed a shoe and apparel deal with New Balance.

The partnership has a personal connection for Flagg, a native of Maine where New Balance has multiple manufacturing plants, including the expansion of a factory in Skowhegan, 25 miles from Flagg’s hometown of Newport.

"I grew up wearing New Balance, and I appreciate their authentic connection to my community," Flagg said in a news release. "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. I’m so excited to join this family and help them grow the category with young athletes."

New Balance, headquartered in Boston, kicked off the Flagg campaign with a photo of Flagg in a driveway, hoop attached to the garage and Flagg holding a newspaper with a headline that reads: "Cooper Flagg, The Intelligent choice."

Flagg made an impression at USA Basketball’s pre-Olympics training camp in Las Vegas in early July. Flagg was part of a select team chosen to scrimmage against the Olympic team and had moments where he excelled against NBA stars, especially offensively.

Los Angeles Clippers All-Star Kawhi Leonard and Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray are also part of the New Balance family.