MACAO — Cooper Flagg said Friday that he has not thought about the 2027 FIBA World Cup in Qatar, but that playing for Team USA would be an incredible opportunity if he is selected. The Dallas Mavericks forward spoke after a 135-117 preseason loss to the Houston Rockets at The Venetian Arena.
Flagg, 19, has played for USA Basketball at the under-17 level. He is entering his second NBA season after going first overall in the 2025 draft.
Cooper Flagg On Representing USA Basketball
Representing his country is something Flagg takes a lot of pride in, he said.
“No, I haven’t really thought about it. Obviously, I’ve played for USA before, in the under-17s and stuff like that. I’m always looking forward to being able to represent my country, and that’s something that I take a lot of pride in,” Flagg said. “So whatever the case may be, if I’m asked to do something like that and I’m selected to do that, I think it would be an incredible opportunity.”
Flagg’s Preseason Opener
Flagg scored 17 of his 19 points in the second quarter Friday and finished with 6 rebounds and 3 assists on 7-of-14 shooting in 19:02. He did not play in the second half and expects to play again Sunday.
“I definitely anticipated playing again on Sunday. I mean, this is a process for us of just ramping up and getting prepared to play and get ready for the regular season. So definitely there,” Flagg explained. “And I felt good today. I think obviously the first wind was tough. I think everybody was pretty gassed up there for a little bit, but I thought the second wind hit pretty good and got into a good stride.”
The Mavericks and Rockets meet again Sunday at The Venetian Arena, with tip-off set for 5 a.m. CT. Dallas returns home for preseason games Oct. 14 and Oct. 16 before opening the regular season Oct. 21 at Houston.
