There are striking similarities between Cooper Flagg and Paige Bueckers.
Both were McDonald’s All-Americans and won Gatorade National Player of the Year honors in high school. Each also earned national Player of the Year recognition as freshmen, Flagg at Duke University and Bueckers at University of Connecticut.
Their professional journeys mirror each other as well. Bueckers was selected first overall in the 2025 WNBA Draft by the Dallas Wings, and a year later, Flagg was picked No. 1 by the Dallas Mavericks. After Flagg secured the 2025–26 NBA Rookie of the Year award matching Bueckers’ WNBA Rookie of the Year from the previous season Gatorade released an ad featuring Bueckers congratulating him via voicemail.
Flagg said he appreciated the gesture, noting how meaningful it is to have support from someone in the same city who has experienced a similar path. He praised Bueckers for her strong rookie season and said her encouragement meant a lot.
Both athletes believe their presence in Dallas can inspire younger fans. Flagg highlighted the impact they’ve already had on the next generation, adding that it feels rewarding to now be role models, especially since he still feels close to his own days of looking up to professional players.
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