Video: Cooper Flagg Lands New Balance Contract; Duke Star Is Top NBA Draft Prospect

Incoming Duke men's basketball freshman Cooper Flagg has signed a "significant" shoe endorsement deal with New Balance, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.

The forward is set to enter his first season with the Blue Devils after he was the No. 1 recruit in the 2024 class, per 247Sports' composite rankings. He's also considered to be the top prospect in ESPN's 2025 NBA draft class (h/t Wojnarowski).

New Balance has already partnered with several NBA stars such as Kawhi Leonard, Zach LaVine and Jamal Murray.

The Maine native referenced the connection between New Balance and his hometown when discussing his decision to sign with the company.

"The connection with New Balance as a family company and a company with Maine roots means a lot to me," Flagg said, per Wojnarowski. "That makes this really different and special. My mom used to go to the tent sale for back-to-school shopping there when we were kids. That really aligns the brand with my roots. It's a perfect fit."

Expectations are high for Flagg as he enters the 2024 season. CBS Sports' Gary Parrish and Matt Norlander polled over 100 Division I college basketball coaches on Aug. 14, with the 17-year-old earning the most votes for the projected top player in college basketball next season.

Flagg was named the Gatorade National Men's Athlete of the Year in 2024 and was part of the Team USA select team, facing off against NBA stars on the U.S. men's national team as they prepared to compete in the Paris Olympics.

He made a strong impression against the top players in the association, with Forbes' Evan Sidery reporting that he "stole the show" during a scrimmage on July 8.

Flagg is already generating NBA draft buzz before he's played a college basketball game, and now he has his own shoe endorsement deal.