Cooper Flagg, his first professional game outside the United States
The #1 selection from the last NBA draft will be one of the attractions for the game between the Mavericks and Pistons this Saturday at the Mexico City Arena.
Cooper Flagg, the #1 selection of the last draft of the NBA will have his first game as a professional outside the United States. Although during his time as a university student he had some opportunities to step on the court abroad, his first ‘official’ experience as an Association player has him excited.
On Saturday the Dallas Mavericks and Detroit Pistons will play at the Mexico City Arena, tending to flagg to one of the main attractions of the party.
“It’s an incredible opportunity, coming to a new place to play, to compete, it’s amazing to be in a new environment, a new culture and play for new fans. I’m excited, it’s going to be a game with a lot of energy, in front of a crowd,” he considered. Cooper prior to the practice of Mavs in CDMX, a venue that can already be considered its second home, since until now it is the NBA franchise that has played in Mexico the most times.
“I haven’t played outside of USA a lot, I know that this is a different culture, they have told me a lot about here and it is an interesting opportunity to play,” he said.
For a player like Cooperwhose expectations as the first selection are high, there is no difference between delivering his talent on NBA floors or on some ‘foreign’ ones, what he wants is to go out and compete and demonstrate his abilities.
“I want to have the opportunity to demonstrate my talent and compete. Mexico has been incredible, as well as this stage. It is a great opportunity to be in a new place and it feels very good to be here,” he considered.
For Cooper Flagg There is no pressure to show why he was the #1 pick, what he seeks is to be himself and compete at the best level.
“I’m not too worried about (the pressure of being the #1 pick), I try to be better every day for myself and my family and compete against a lot of international players, I try to play as hard as I can and go far by being myself and try to play the best I can.”
Klay Thompson asks him to enjoy his rookie year
A player who can be key to the development of Cooper Flagg In the NBA it is the experienced and several-time champion with the Golden State Warriors, Klay Thompson, who can only give him one piece of advice: Enjoy your rookie year.
“I just have to share with you what I know, what I know and have learned from my time in the NBA. To Cooper The important thing is to be present every day, not think about meeting those high expectations, just enjoy your rookie season. He only has a rookie year once, so I’ve just told him go without expectations and enjoy your first year because it goes by very quickly and there’s nothing like your rookie season.”
