Netflix has officially released “The Underdog,” a gripping new documentary chronicling the meteoric rise of Cooper Flagg, the #2-ranked player on the Duke Blue Devils men’s basketball team and one of the most talked-about college athletes in recent history. The film, now available to stream globally, offers an unprecedented look into the life and journey of the versatile guard/forward who has captured national attention with his dominant play and unrelenting drive.
Slated for release on May 7, the documentary has been in production since Flagg’s senior year of high school, with Netflix embedding a film crew at Duke University throughout his freshman season. Directed by Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Ava Ramos, The Underdog tells the story of a small-town kid from Newport, Maine, who turned heads on the AAU circuit before committing to Duke—one of college basketball’s most storied programs.
The documentary combines never-before-seen footage from practices, games, locker rooms, and Flagg’s private life, along with interviews from head coach Jon Scheyer, teammates, family members, and NBA legends like Kevin Durant and Jayson Tatum, who have mentored Flagg on and off the court. The result is a raw and emotional portrait of a young athlete battling pressure, expectation, and the weight of being called “the next big thing” before even stepping onto an NBA court.
“This isn’t just a story about basketball,” Ramos said in a press release. “It’s about resilience, humility, and the constant search for identity in the face of hype. Cooper is a generational talent, but he’s also a teenager trying to navigate fame, criticism, and dreams that are bigger than most of us can imagine.”
Flagg, a 6’9″ hybrid player known for his elite defense, court vision, and high basketball IQ, has been a breakout star in the 2024–2025 NCAA season. His decision to reclassify and join Duke a year early shocked many in the basketball world, but it proved to be a game-changing move for both the Blue Devils and Flagg himself. He’s led the team to the top of the ACC standings, averaging 17.3 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game.
The timing of the release couldn’t be more significant, as NBA draft buzz surrounding Flagg has reached a fever pitch. Many analysts project him as a top-three pick in the upcoming 2025 NBA Draft, with scouts lauding his maturity, versatility, and poise under pressure.
Fans and analysts alike are already praising The Underdog on social media, calling it “powerful,” “inspirational,” and “a must-watch for any basketball fan.”
Whether you’re a diehard Duke supporter, a casual hoops fan, or just someone who loves an underdog story, Netflix’s The Underdog delivers a compelling, heartfelt, and deeply human narrative that’s sure to resonate far beyond the basketball court.
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