Cooper Flagg Sneakers: Projected first-overall pick makes New Balance debut at NBA Draft Combine

The NBA's draft cycle is nearing its dramatic conclusion, with the draft lottery complete and the combine well underway. 

The name on everyone's lips for this entire season has been Cooper Flagg, the Maine product who had a historic freshman season with the Duke Blue Devils. 

As Flagg moves from college to the pros, he also swaps the logos on his shoes, moving from the Nike-sponsored Duke and becoming the face of New Balance basketball. 

Cooper Flagg makes New Balance debut at NBA Draft Combine

Cooper Flagg has been signed to New Balance since August 2024, with the brand making a big bet on a player assumed by many to be one of the next superstars of the NBA. 

Cooper Flagg's full #NBADraftCombine 👀🔥 pic.twitter.com/8CdNYZUi4c

Before he could assume the mantle of the face of New Balance basketball, he had to play out a freshman season with NCAA powerhouse Duke - who have long been a Nike stronghold. 

He as allowed to represent NB off-court through an NIL deal, wearing their casual sneakers to games and other events, but on court he had to wear Nike, usually opting for the Kobe 6. 

But as his life as a professional begins, so too does his new sneaker life, with Flagg making his true New Balance debut at the NBA Draft Combine.

Flagg competed drills in a pair of the New Balance Hesi Low V2, opting for the pink and oragne colorway from the recently-released 'Flavors Pack'. 

The Hesi Low V2 is a favourite model of fellow NB athlete Darius Garland, who has opted for the shoe throughout Cleveland's 2025 playoff run. 

"I grew up wearing New Balance, and I appreciate their authentic connection to my community," Flagg said in 2024 after signing to the brand.

"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." 

The young star is all but assured to be heading to Dallas next season, after the Mavericks pulled off a shock-upset and won Tuesday's NBA Draft Lottery. 

It is not yet known when Flagg will receive a signature shoe, but New Balance will likely craft a model for the young star early in his career, seeing him join Kawhi Leonard as the brand's only signature athletes.