THE MAVS EPISODE | Cooper Flagg, Max Christie, and Ryan Nembhard

In this special episode of The Old Man and the Three, hosts dive deep into the lives and journeys of three rising NBA stars: Cooper Flagg, Ryan Nembhard, and Max Christie, recorded live in Dallas during the Elite Eight. The conversation spans their formative years, from growing up in small towns and navigating intense sibling rivalries to making the leap to elite prep programs like Montverde Academy and navigating the pressures of national hype. Each player reflects on their unique path—Flagg’s early exposure to Team USA and his emotional first game against NBA legends, Nembhard’s development at Gonzaga and his transition from a high school in Rolling Meadows to the NBA, and Christie’s journey from Chicago’s suburbs to the Lakers and now the Mavericks. They discuss the evolving landscape of college basketball, the impact of NIL, and the mental challenges of adjusting to the NBA’s grueling schedule and high-stakes environment. The trio also shares personal insights on discipline, routine, and mental resilience, with standout moments including Flagg’s reaction to being drafted by Dallas and the group’s reflections on the business side of basketball. The episode closes with candid lessons learned about consistency, confidence, and living in the moment.