5 Unforgettable Facts About Cooper Flagg's Parents: The Maine Roots Driving The NBA's Next No. 1 Pick

As of December 13, 2025, Cooper Flagg is not just a college basketball star; he is the consensus future No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, a generational talent whose name dominates every scouting report and mock draft. The 6'9" forward from Newport, Maine, has captivated the sports world with his elite defensive versatility, high-energy motor, and polished offensive skill set, which he showcased brilliantly during his time with the Duke Blue Devils.

However, to truly understand the foundation of this basketball prodigy, one must look directly at the people who built it: his parents, Kelly and Ralph Flagg. Their own deep, successful history in the sport, rooted firmly in the state of Maine, established the competitive environment and unwavering support system that has propelled Cooper from a local high school standout to the most anticipated NBA prospect in years. This is the definitive look at the family legacy that created a future superstar.

Cooper Flagg: Biographical Profile and Family Foundation

Cooper Flagg's journey is inextricably linked to his family’s deep connection to Maine basketball. His parents and siblings have been his constant support system, often seen courtside, embodying the family's collective passion for the game.

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• Full Name: Cooper Flagg
• Date of Birth: December 21, 2006
• Hometown: Newport, Maine
• High School: Nokomis Regional High School (ME), Montverde Academy (FL)
• College: Duke University (2024–2025)
• Current Status: Announced he is leaving Duke to enter the 2025 NBA Draft (as of April 21, 2025). Projected No. 1 overall pick.
• Father: Ralph Flagg
• Mother: Kelly Flagg (née Bowman)
• Older Brother: Hunter Flagg
• Fraternal Twin Brother: Ace Flagg
• Family Connection: The Flagg family is known for its strong ties to Maine basketball, with both parents having played collegiately in the state.

The Collegiate Legacy of Kelly and Ralph Flagg: Maine Basketball Royalty

Cooper Flagg's athletic genes and competitive spirit are not a coincidence; they are a direct inheritance from his mother and father, both of whom were successful college basketball players in Maine. This shared background has been a cornerstone of Cooper's development, providing him with experienced, knowledgeable mentors from day one.

Kelly Flagg (née Bowman): A Standout at the University of Maine

Kelly Flagg, Cooper’s mother, is perhaps the most well-known athletic figure in the family outside of Cooper himself. Her collegiate career was a significant chapter in Maine basketball history.

• High School Career: Kelly was a standout player at Nokomis High School in Newport, Maine, where she was known for her all-around game, possessing the ability to score, rebound, and handle the ball.
• University of Maine (UMaine): She played for the UMaine Black Bears women's basketball team in the late 1990s.
• Historic Team: Kelly was a member of the 1998–99 UMaine team that made history by winning the America East Conference title and earning an NCAA Tournament berth, cementing her place in the university’s sports lore.
• Direct Coaching Role: Beyond her playing days, Kelly actively coached Cooper in AAU basketball, giving her a direct, hands-on role in shaping his early skills and competitive temperament.

Her experience at the NCAA level meant that Cooper was raised with an intimate understanding of the dedication, rigor, and commitment required to succeed at the highest levels of the sport. The Flagg home environment was inherently competitive and driven by the rhythms of basketball seasons.

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Ralph Flagg: The Passionate Foundation from EMCC

Cooper's father, Ralph Flagg, also boasts a strong Maine basketball background. His passion for the game began at Nokomis Regional High School, where he played alongside Kelly.

• College Basketball: Ralph played collegiately at Maine Technical College, which is now known as Eastern Maine Community College (EMCC).
• Shared Roots: Like Kelly, Ralph's basketball journey started in the local community, emphasizing the deep, regional pride that surrounds Cooper's success.
• Support System: While Kelly took on a more direct coaching role, Ralph provided the crucial, steady support and shared athletic understanding that is vital for a developing elite athlete.

The combined collegiate experience of both parents meant that Cooper never lacked for expert advice or a deep appreciation for the game's fundamentals. They understood the sacrifices and commitment needed, allowing them to guide Cooper through the intense pressures of being a top-ranked prospect.

From AAU Coach to Duke's Biggest Fan: Kelly Flagg's Direct Influence

The role Kelly Flagg played in Cooper’s life extends far beyond being a former college player. She was his first coach and remains his most vocal and passionate supporter. This direct involvement is a key factor in Cooper’s development into an elite player.

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Kelly’s experience as a successful player gave her the credibility to coach her son and the insight to recognize and nurture his exceptional talent early on. She coached Cooper during his Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) days, a critical period for skill development and exposure. This hands-on approach ensured Cooper developed a strong fundamental base and a high basketball IQ from a young age.

Today, Kelly is famous among college basketball fans for her passionate, courtside presence at Duke games. Her animated reactions and unwavering energy have made her a recognizable figure, symbolizing the intense pride and investment the Flagg family has in Cooper's career. She is the embodiment of the supportive "basketball mom," translating her own competitive drive into support for her son. This visible, emotional support is a constant source of motivation for Cooper.

The Flagg Family Tree: More Than Just Cooper

Cooper is not the only athlete in the Flagg household. The family includes three sons, all of whom share a passion for basketball, creating a high-level competitive environment at home that has undoubtedly pushed Cooper to excel.

Ace Flagg: The Fraternal Twin Connection

Cooper’s fraternal twin brother, Ace Flagg, is also a talented basketball player. Ace was born on the same day as Cooper, December 21, 2006, and the two have shared a lifelong journey on the court.

The dynamic of having a twin brother who is also a high-level competitor is a unique advantage. They pushed each other daily, from their early days in Maine to their time at Montverde Academy, one of the nation’s premier preparatory schools. This constant, high-stakes competition served as an invaluable training ground, refining Cooper’s skills and mental toughness. Ace is often seen alongside Cooper, reinforcing the idea that this is a family journey, not just an individual one.

Hunter Flagg: The Older Brother's Role

The family also includes an older brother, Hunter Flagg. While less is publicly known about Hunter's basketball career compared to Cooper and Ace, his presence contributes to the overall supportive structure. The existence of multiple siblings who play the game creates a cohesive unit focused on athletic achievement and mutual encouragement.

The Flagg family's story is a testament to the power of a supportive, athletic lineage. From the small-town courts of Nokomis High School to the national stage of Duke University, the collective history of Kelly and Ralph Flagg's college careers and their active roles as parents and mentors have provided the perfect launchpad for Cooper's expected leap to the NBA. The Maine roots run deep, and they are the powerful, steady engine driving the NBA's next No. 1 pick.