Breaking News:Duke Blue Devil Star Cooper Flagg has invested $2 million of all his savings and endorsement to transform a house into a shelter for homeless youths in Durham after..Full details
BREAKING NEWS: Duke Blue Devil Star Cooper Flagg Invests $2 Million to Build Shelter for Homeless Youths in Durham
In a move that proves he’s a star both on and off the court, Cooper Flagg, the electrifying freshman phenom of the Duke Blue Devils, has announced he is investing $2 million—nearly all of his personal savings and endorsement earnings—to transform a vacant house in Durham into a state-of-the-art shelter for homeless and at-risk youth.
The decision, which Flagg called “a calling bigger than basketball,” came after an emotional encounter earlier this year when he met a group of homeless teens outside Cameron Indoor Stadium after a game. According to sources close to the player, Flagg spent over an hour sitting and talking with them—an interaction that stuck with him for weeks.
“Basketball gave me a platform. But this—this is about giving someone else a chance at life,” Flagg said in a press release. “I’ve been blessed with a lot, and it just didn’t feel right to keep building for myself when I could be building for others.”
The shelter, to be called “The Second Half House,” will offer more than just beds and meals. It will include:
24/7 housing and counseling services
GED and job training programs
Mental health support
Recreational facilities and mentorship opportunities
Duke University has thrown its full support behind Flagg’s mission, and several local businesses and alumni have pledged to match portions of his investment to expand the shelter’s capacity.
Coach Jon Scheyer praised Flagg’s character, saying: “What Cooper’s doing isn’t just admirable—it’s transformational. He’s leading with his heart, and he’s setting a standard for what it means to be a Blue Devil.”
Social media erupted with praise, with hashtags like #FlaggForTheFuture and #DurhamStrong trending nationally within hours. Even NBA stars and philanthropists chimed in, calling Flagg’s action “mature beyond his years” and “a blueprint for using influence to spark change.”
Construction on The Second Half House is set to begin next month, with doors expected to open before the start of the next basketball season.
In a world where highlight reels dominate the headlines, Cooper Flagg’s biggest assist might just be the one he’s giving off the court.