New England’s Basketball Talent Challenges
All six states in New England face difficulties in producing skilled and successful players for the National Basketball Association (NBA). Despite a rich basketball heritage highlighted by the Boston Celtics, a vast fan base, and a combined population of 15 million, there are only eight active NBA players from the region. In contrast, the state of Washington has nine active players despite having a population of just 7.9 million.
Rising Stars in New England
While basketball might not be New England’s forte, there are promising players eyeing the NBA. A notable example is Cooper Flagg, who was chosen first overall by the Dallas Mavericks in the 2025 NBA draft, mainly due to his mistake-free playing style. Flagg has a remarkable ability to process the game swiftly and accurately, making him difficult to influence on the court. His impressive 6’9” height coupled with outstanding athleticism marks him as a rare talent.
Cooper Flagg’s Journey
Originating from Newport, Maine, Flagg is closer to Canada than Boston. He completed his freshman year at a local high school before moving to Montverde Academy in Florida to fully dedicate himself to basketball. Despite his rising star status, he pays homage to his roots; for instance, Flagg signed a shoe endorsement with New Balance, motivated by a nearby manufacturing facility. He expressed to ESPN that “the connection with New Balance as a family company and a company with Maine roots means a lot to me.”
AJ Dybantsa’s Emergence
The next standout is AJ Dybantsa from Brockton, Massachusetts, who began his high school journey at Saint Sebastian’s School before transferring to prep schools in the southwest. He is set to play for Brigham Young University this season after securing a record-breaking Name, Image, and Likeness deal exceeding $5 million. While both he and Flagg share athletic forward positions, Dybantsa poses a significant threat on the court as he can exploit mismatches against defenders, elevating his game to another level.
The Impact of Location on Development
Although the Boston area offers better opportunities for budding basketball players than Newport, Maine, it remains uncommon to find such formidable talent from New England. Historically, the most notable player to emerge from the region is likely Bill Laimbeer, a center for the “Bad Boys” Pistons during the 1990s, who primarily grew up near Chicago. Aside from him, Dana Barros remains a significantly underrated all-star from the area.
The Role of Competition in Development
The adage “iron sharpens iron” emphasizes the importance of facing strong competition to improve athletic skills. Players like Flagg and Dybantsa often struggle to find suitable challenging environments in the region. On draft night, Flagg referenced his mother’s advice: “If you’re the best player in the gym, it’s time to find a new gym.” Fortunately, advancements in recruiting and exposure through social media have made it easier for talent to be recognized, regardless of location.
Emerging Opportunities
Today, the NBA landscape features many international talents, with the last seven MVPs hailing from outside the U.S. This year’s draft even saw a player from a small Swiss village being selected. Both Flagg and Dybantsa are set to make their mark; Flagg will debut in October with the Lakers, while Dybantsa gears up for an exciting season with BYU. The question now is not if New England will see another star emerge, but rather who it will be.
