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Professional basketball

Rick Carlisle Impressed with Cooper Flagg's Rookie Performance

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Rick Carlisle, the Indiana Pacers' head coach and a former University of Maine Black Bear, was visibly impressed with Cooper Flagg's performance in the NBA this week. As the Pacers faced off against the Dallas Mavericks, featuring Flagg, Carlisle, a Maine native, was on the opposing side of the contest. Flagg, an 18-year-old forward from Newport, Maine, was the first Maine player ever taken first overall in the NBA draft and has been a standout performer in his rookie season. Carlisle, who has seen tremendous success in the NBA as both a player and coach, including winning an NBA championship with the Boston Celtics in 1986 and coaching the Mavericks to a title in 2011, was familiar with Flagg's skills and work ethic. Carlisle, who has a strong connection to Maine and the Black Bears program, praised Flagg's level of strength, physicality, and professional disposition, stating that he "has such a professional approach" and is "a great teammate."

Key Takeaways:

  • Cooper Flagg, an 18-year-old forward from Newport, Maine, has been a standout performer in his rookie season, impressing coaches and teammates alike with his impressive skills and work ethic.
  • Rick Carlisle, the Indiana Pacers' head coach and a former University of Maine Black Bear, has a strong connection to Maine and the Black Bears program, having played for two seasons under former coach Skip Chappelle before transferring to the University of Virginia.
  • Carlisle was visibly impressed with Flagg's performance in person, praising his level of strength, physicality, and professional disposition.
  • Flagg has already risen higher and faster than any other basketball player born and raised in Maine, with his Maine coaches highlighting his ability to make those around him better.
  • Carlisle, who won an NBA championship with the Boston Celtics in 1986 and coached the Mavericks to a title in 2011, is one of the best basketball players to ever come through the state of Maine.
  • The Pacers head coach is looking forward to seeing what the future holds for Flagg, stating that he will be a "future face of the league" and expects him to bring a "unique vibe as a young talent" to the NBA.

Statistics:

  • Cooper Flagg was the first Maine player ever taken first overall in the NBA draft.
  • He notched a double-double on Wednesday night, scoring 15 points and bringing down 10 rebounds.
  • Flagg's twin brother, Ace Flagg, is starting his freshman season at the University of Maine, continuing a successful basketball legacy in Maine.
  • Rick Carlisle won an NBA championship with the Boston Celtics in 1986 and coached the Mavericks to a title in 2011.

Sources:

  • Bangor Daily News, "Rick Carlisle Impressed with Cooper Flagg's Rookie Performance"
  • Tribune Content Agency, LLC
  • the Bangor Daily News (Bangor, Maine)
  • www.bangordailynews.com

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