College Basketball
After breaking records at Duke, Maine town honors its star with a statue and other honors, marking Cooper’s immortalization.

After breaking records at Duke, Maine town honors its star with a statue and other honors, marking Cooper’s immortalization.
Cooper Flagg’s meteoric rise in the basketball world has been nothing short of extraordinary. Hailing from Newport, Maine, Flagg’s journey from a small-town talent to a national sensation is a testament to his dedication, skill, and the unwavering support of his community.
Early Life and Rise in Maine
Growing up in Newport, Flagg exhibited an innate talent for basketball from a young age. His passion and prowess on the court led him to Montverde Academy in Florida, where he honed his skills and garnered national attention. Despite his relocation, Flagg’s roots in Maine remained strong, and he often spoke fondly of his hometown and its supportive community.
Record-Breaking Season at Duke
In the 2024-2025 season, Flagg’s freshman year at Duke University, he set the basketball world abuzz with his exceptional performances:
Historic 42-Point Game: In a game against Notre Dame, Flagg scored 42 points, setting a new ACC freshman record. He made 11 of 14 shots, including 4 of 6 from three-point range, and converted 16 of 17 free throws.
Consistent Excellence: Throughout the season, Flagg led Duke in points (18.9), rebounds (7.5), assists (4.2), and steals (1.4), earning him the Associated Press Men’s College Basketball Player of the Year award. He became only the fourth freshman in the award’s 64-year history to receive this honor.

Accolades and Honors: Beyond the AP Player of the Year, Flagg secured the Oscar Robertson Trophy and the Wayman Tisdale Award as the nation’s top freshman. He also set a new ACC record with 11 Rookie of the Week selections.
Maine’s Tribute to Its Star
In recognition of Flagg’s achievements and his enduring connection to his hometown, the town of Newport, Maine, has announced plans to honor him in several meaningful ways:
Erecting a Statue: A life-sized bronze statue of Flagg will be installed in the town’s central park. The statue will depict him in his Duke uniform, capturing a moment of triumph that reflects his impact on both the town and the sport.
Annual Cooper Flagg Day: The town will designate a day each year to celebrate Flagg’s contributions to basketball and his community. The day will feature youth basketball clinics, community picnics, and a ceremonial unveiling of the statue.
Cooper Flagg Scholarship Fund: A scholarship fund will be established in his name to support aspiring student-athletes from Newport pursuing higher education and athletic excellence. The fund aims to provide financial assistance and mentorship, ensuring that Flagg’s legacy of hard work and dedication continues to inspire future generations.
Community Impact and Legacy
Flagg’s influence extends beyond the basketball court. His humility, work ethic, and commitment to his roots have made a lasting impression on his community:
Role Model: Flagg serves as an inspiration to young athletes in Newport, demonstrating that with talent and determination, one can achieve greatness while remaining grounded.
Community Engagement: Despite his national fame, Flagg has maintained strong ties to Newport, frequently returning to mentor local youth and participate in community events.
Economic Boost: The announcement of the statue and associated events has attracted visitors to Newport, providing a boost to local businesses and fostering community pride.
Looking Ahead
As Flagg’s collegiate career progresses, and with the prospect of a professional career on the horizon, the town of Newport remains steadfast in its support. The planned honors serve as a testament to the profound impact he has had on his community and the sport of basketball. They ensure that his legacy will be celebrated for generations to come, inspiring future athletes to pursue excellence both on and off the court.
Cooper Flagg’s journey from Newport, Maine, to the pinnacle of college basketball is a story of talent, perseverance, and community. The forthcoming statue and honors are not just a celebration of his achievements but also a reflection of the values that define Newport—a town that nurtures its own and celebrates their successes. As Flagg continues to break records and inspire, his roots in Maine remain a foundational part of his identity, reminding us all of the importance of community and the enduring spirit of small-town America.
College Basketball
BREAKING: He’s Back! Maliq Brown Stuns fans with Senior Season

BREAKING: He’s Back! Maliq Brown Stuns fans with Senior Season
He’s Back with the Blue Devils! Maliq Brown Shocks College Hoops World with Stunning Return to Duke—ACC Rivals Officially on Alert
In a stunning twist few saw coming, Maliq Brown has announced he will return for his senior season—with the Duke Blue Devils. The versatile forward, who entered the transfer portal after a strong junior year at Syracuse, has officially committed to Duke, sending shockwaves through the college basketball landscape and sending a clear message to the ACC: the Blue Devils are loading up.
Brown made his announcement via a sleek video posted to social media, featuring clips of Cameron Indoor Stadium and a simple caption: “Back in blue. Let’s finish this.” Within minutes, the post had gone viral, with Duke fans erupting across platforms and analysts calling it one of the biggest portal additions of the offseason.
After averaging 9.5 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.8 steals per game, Brown became one of the most sought-after names in the portal—thanks to his elite defensive instincts, physical toughness, and ability to guard multiple positions. Now, with his decision to join Jon Scheyer’s squad, Duke adds a battle-tested, high-IQ veteran presence to its already elite roster.
“I chose Duke because I want to win at the highest level,” Brown said in a follow-up interview. “This is a championship culture. I’m ready to embrace the grind, the pressure, and the brotherhood. I’m all in.”
Head coach Jon Scheyer praised the addition, calling Brown “a game-changer” on both ends of the floor. “Maliq brings toughness, maturity, and leadership. He plays with edge, and he plays to win. He’s exactly what we need to take the next step this season.”
For Duke, already loaded with five-star talent and incoming freshmen, Brown’s arrival fills a key need—a proven, defensive-minded forward who can anchor the interior and bring a veteran mindset to a young, hungry team. His experience and versatility are expected to be invaluable as the Blue Devils gear up for a deep tournament run.
The message is clear: with Maliq Brown in Durham, Duke isn’t just reloading—they’re coming for everything.
The countdown to tip-off begins now. And with Brown back in blue, the rest of the ACC has officially been put on notice.
College Basketball
Miami (OH)’s Reece Potter commits to Kentucky from NCAA Transfer Portal

Miami (OH)’s Reece Potter commits to Kentucky from NCAA Transfer Portal
Reece Potter went two and a half hours north to begin his collegiate career at Miami (OH). Now, after two seasons as an undergraduate there, he will be return to his Old Kentucky Home.
Potter has committed to Kentucky from the NCAA Transfer Portal on Monday per On3’s Joe Tipton. That will bring him back home to the bluegrass as a native of Lexington.
This was a quick commitment for Potter, who entered the portal back at the opening of the window on March 24th, after beginning to hear from Kentucky, namely Cody Fueger, per reports coming out of this weekend. During that recruitment, he heard from other programs like North Carolina, Washington, UConn, and Louisville as well as California, Wisconsin, Dayton, and New Mexico State.
Potter, a 7’1″ center, appeared in 56 games, mostly as a reserve, through two years at Miami (OH). He averaged 6.3 points (45.4% FG, 39.8% 3PT), 3.4 rebounds, and 1.1 assists while with the Redhawks. He improved most of those stats as a sophomore with him now having two seasons of eligibility to continue that development at UK.
Potter played his high school basketball at Lexington Catholic, which is just ten or fifteen minutes off campus and from Rupp Arena, where he put up 17.9 points and 8.7 rebounds. He originally committed to Xavier before a coaching change that led him to Miami (OH) over other offers like Western Kentucky, Indiana State, and Saint Louis.
Kentucky now has what is likely one of their final additions, if not the last piece, for next season’s roster for their second year under Mark Pope. The Wildcats are already returning a core of Brandon Garrison, Collin Chandler, and Trent Noah while they await the draft decision of Otega Oweh. They’re then bringing in a pair of four-star, in-state freshman in Jasper Johnson and Malachi Moreno, an international prospect from Croatia in Andrija Jelavic, and the top class in the portal currently per On3 with six additions now with Jayden Quaintance (Arizona State),
Mouhamad Dioubate (Alabama), Jaland Lowe (Pittsburgh), Kam Williams (Tulane), and Denzel Aberdeen (Florida).
Pending Oweh’s decision to return to college or go pro, Kentucky is probably nearly, if not already, done with their roster for ’25-’25. That’s with Potter, the hometown transfer, taking a spot in Lexington with his commitment from the portal today
College Basketball
BREAKING: SHOCKING as Kentucky Guard Travis Perry commits to Ole Miss

BREAKING: SHOCKING as Kentucky Guard Travis Perry commits to Ole Miss
The BBN has been following closely to see where transfer guard Travis Perry will play his college basketball next season.
After entering his name into the transfer portal during the final hours of the spring window, Kentucky Wildcats fans now know where Perry will play his basketball next season.
According to a report by Joe Tipton of On3, Perry has committed to Chris Beard and the Ole Miss Rebels. He was also being recruited by Maryland and Vanderbilt, among others.
Perry, a 6-foot-1 and 188-pound guard from Eddyville, is the state’s all-time leading scorer in high school basketball. He showcased some of that scoring this season for the Cats as he was thrust into starting roles with the injuries to the roster this season.
Now, Perry will head to Oxford, where Coach Beard finally lands the Lyon County legend. With plenty of open roster spots and playing time available, the fit makes sense for Perry and the Rebels. If he can improve his defense, you have to imagine he could become a staple in Oxford for Ole Miss basketball.
Perry will return to Rupp Arena next season wearing navy and red. I’m sure we can all agree that is going to be too weird to see.
Once a Wildcat, always a Wildcat. Best of luck to Travis in Oxford!
College Basketball
Duke adds Texas and Michigan State to pre-ACC slate

Duke adds Texas and Michigan State to pre-ACC slate
Duke head coach Jon Scheyer has made it clear that his Blue Devils are willing to load up on quality non-conference opponents in the pre-ACC portion of the schedule and it appears as though 2025-26 will be more of the same.
According to multiple reports, Duke will face off against Michigan State in December on the road in East Lansing as part of a return game from the 2020 Champions Classic, which was played in Durham during the COVID season.
In a separate move, Scheyer and the Blue Devils are working on brining Sean Miller and Texas to Charlotte for what could be a season opening game on November 4th in the Hornets’ Spectrum Center.
The game against Michigan State would be the 19th meeting all time between the two programs with Duke owning a commanding 15-3 advantage in the series. The Blue Devils have won eight of the last 10 games between the two teams including the 2023 match-up in Chicago (74-65) and then in the NCAA Tournament in 2022 (85-76).
Assuming Scheyer and company travel to the Breslin Center, it will mark the third time Duke has played on the Spartans’ home court. The previous two away games saw Duke win by 22 in 2003 and then by 12 in 2019.
With regards to the Longhorns, the series isn’t as deep, though Duke has been just as dominant, winning all five of the previous matchups. The most recent game was an 85-78 win back in November of 2017 when Marvin Bagley scored 34 points and grabbed 15 rebounds to lead the Blue Devils to the victory.
Each of the five wins over Texas have been on neutral courts ranging from Portland, Oregon to Greensboro, NC, to East Rutherford, N.J, and then two games at Madison Square Garden in New York. The series started during the 2000-2001 season when Duke won by 26. Blowouts continued over the next two games with the Blue Devils winning by 28 in 2003 and then 31 in 2005. The last two games, an NCAA Tournament match-up in 2009 and the PK75 event in 2018, resulted in a five point and seven point Duke victory respectively.
In several Way Too Early Top 25 rankings, Michigan State hovers around the Top 20 while Texas is not considered a preseason Top 25 opponent at this early juncture.
When the season tips off this fall, Duke head coach Jon Scheyer will be looking to build on his record setting start as a head coach. During his first three seasons, Scheyer now shares the record for most wins by a Division I head coach in their first three seasons, joining Brad Stevens (Butler) and Brad Underwood (Stephen F. Austin).
He also became the youngest head coach to reach the Final Four since 2011, and this season was honored with the 2024-25 John McLendon National Coach of the Year Award.
College Basketball
𝗡𝗼. 𝟭 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝘆𝗲𝗿 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘁𝘀 𝗗𝘂𝗸𝗲 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗞𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘂𝗰𝗸𝘆, 𝗚𝗲𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗶𝗮, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗧𝗲𝗻𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗲𝗲.

𝗡𝗼. 𝟭 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝘆𝗲𝗿 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘁𝘀
𝗗𝘂𝗸𝗲 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗞𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘂𝗰𝗸𝘆, 𝗚𝗲𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗶𝗮, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗧𝗲𝗻𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗲𝗲…
In a highly anticipated recruitment battle, the top-ranked high school basketball player in the nation has announced his commitment to Duke University, choosing the Blue Devils over formidable programs like Kentucky, Georgia, and Tennessee. This decision marks a significant win for Duke in their ongoing quest to land the most talented prospects in the country.
The player, 6-foot-10 forward James Anderson from Chicago, Illinois, has been widely regarded as a once-in-a-generation talent. Known for his versatility, scoring ability, and high basketball IQ, Anderson quickly rose to prominence through his impressive high school performances and standout summer showcase circuits. His combination of size, skill, and athleticism made him the clear top recruit in his class.
Throughout his recruitment process, Anderson expressed interest in programs that emphasized player development, academic excellence, and competitive success. His standout performances and leadership qualities attracted attention from the sport’s elite programs, leading to a heated competition among top-tier schools.
Kentucky, with its storied history of developing NBA stars under Coach John Calipari, was a major contender. The Wildcats’ reputation for preparing players for professional careers and their ability to showcase talent on a national stage made them a natural fit.
Georgia, led by head coach Mike White, made a strong push, emphasizing their recent rise in the SEC and the opportunity for Anderson to be a cornerstone of their program’s future. The Bulldogs’ passionate fanbase and the chance to play in front of a national audience also played a role.
Tennessee, with its passionate fans and recent SEC success, was also in the mix, highlighting their focus on building a competitive roster around talented young players.
Despite the intense competition, Anderson ultimately chose Duke, citing the program’s storied history of success, elite coaching staff, and the chance to develop into an NBA-ready player as key factors in his decision.
Duke’s recruiting strategy focused on personalized player development and creating an environment where Anderson could thrive both on and off the court. Head coach Jon Scheyer and his staff presented a compelling vision of how they would maximize his potential, emphasizing their track record of developing NBA stars.
The opportunity to compete in the ACC, one of the most competitive conferences in college basketball, was also a significant factor. Anderson’s family was impressed by Duke’s academic reputation, world-class facilities, and strong alumni network, which they believe will provide him with the best platform for future success.
Anderson’s commitment is a massive boost for Duke’s recruiting class and signals their ongoing dominance in attracting top talent. His arrival is expected to energize the roster and could make Duke a favorite to contend for a national championship in the upcoming season.
For Kentucky, Georgia, and Tennessee, the loss underscores the fierce competition at the top of college basketball recruiting. Each program will now shift focus to other prospects and continue building their teams for the future.
As Anderson prepares to join Duke, expectations are high. Analysts predict he could make an immediate impact and become one of the premier players in college basketball. His decision exemplifies the increasing importance of program culture, player development, and academic fit in top recruits’ choices.
In conclusion, James Anderson’s commitment to Duke over Kentucky, Georgia, and Tennessee marks a significant milestone in the 2024 recruiting cycle, ensuring Duke remains a powerhouse in college basketball’s talent pipeline.
- New Orleans Saints1 week ago
BREAKING: New Orleans Saints Quarterback Derek Carr Makes Stunning Announcement That Leaves NFL Fans and the entire New Orleans Saints Team in Shock
- New Orleans Saints1 week ago
BREAKING: New Orleans Saints football Running back Alvin Kamara Stuns Fans and Leaves Head Kellen Moore Speechless with Major Announcement Concerning
- New Orleans Saints1 week ago
New Orleans Saints football Fans Reacts in Shock as Head coach Kellen Moore makes surprising statement Announcement that Tight end Taysom Hill
- New Orleans Saints4 days ago
CONGRATULATIONS: New Orleans Saint have Appointed Former Legendary QB Drew Brees As News General Manager, following his recent contributions to…
- New Orleans Saints1 week ago
SHOCKING: Saints release player amid uncertainty surrounding Derek Carr heading into the 2025 NFL season
- New Orleans Saints6 days ago
Saints Listed As Top Destinations For Free-Agent 5-time Pro Bowl wideout
- New Orleans Saints6 days ago
Saints’ Tyler Shough compared to Legend Drew Brees as both Have Odd Fact In Common
- New Orleans Saints6 days ago
Saints new arrival Tyler Shough sends warning message to Spencer Rattler’s QB1 hopes
- New Orleans Saints1 week ago
Saints HC Kellen Moore reveals Shocking Reason why he chose Tyler Shough over Shedeur Sanders
- College Basketball1 week ago
Duke Just Played the Portal Like a Pro—And the ACC Is Shook