Before Cooper Flagg became basketball’s next big thing, he had a foundation built on family, hard work, and an undeniable love for the game. The 6’9″ Duke star isn’t just making waves with his jaw-dropping dunks and elite defense—he’s carrying on a legacy.
And if you’re wondering where he got his skills from, look no further than his parents. His mother, Kelly Flagg, was a standout player in her own right, and her influence has shaped him into the rising superstar he is today. Let’s take a closer look at the family behind the future Hall of Famer.
Who is Cooper Flagg’s Mother, Kelly Flagg?
If you ever wonder where Cooper Flagg honed his basketball skills, look no further than his family. Raised in a close-knit, basketball-loving household of five, Cooper’s passion for the game was nurtured from an early age. His mother’s background certainly gave him a headstart.
Kelly Flagg’s basketball journey began at Nokomis Regional High School, where she was nothing short of a scoring machine—racking up an impressive 1,257 career points. But she wasn’t just a high school standout; she carried that dominance into college, leaving her mark on the game.
From 1995 to 1999, Flagg was a force at the University of Maine, helping the program punch its ticket to four straight NCAA tournaments. By her senior year, she was leading the squad as captain, and her leadership proved crucial in one of the biggest moments in program history—Maine’s unforgettable upset over Stanford in the 1999 NCAA Tournament. That win cemented her legacy, making sure her name would never be forgotten in Maine basketball history.
Even after hanging up her boots, Kelly didn’t walk away from basketball. She continued to give back. She returned to her roots, becoming the head coach of the Nokomis varsity girls’ team. She continued to pass on her knowledge and love for basketball to the next generation.
Kelly’s work ethic and basketball knowledge have clearly rubbed off on Cooper Flagg. She’s fiercely protective of her son and always has his back, even on his off days! During a heated Duke-UNC rivalry game, Kelly was spotted shouting with pride after Cooper nailed a dunk, sending a clear message to the rowdy Chapel Hill crowd. It wasn’t just his mom who has helped Flagg grow, his father has been a pillar of strength too.
Who is Cooper Flagg’s Father, Ralph Flagg?
Ralph Flagg’s basketball story began at Eastern Maine Community College, but his passion for the game started back at Nokomis Regional High School just like Kelly.
It was on the basketball court where Ralph first met Kelly. She thought Ralph was “cute,” and it wasn’t long before they started dating. When they played against each other, Ralph couldn’t stop Kelly’s deadly up-and-under move. “She was pretty deadly with that,” Ralph recalls in an interview with ESPN, adding, “And a fierce competitor.”
Jan 11, 2025; Durham, North Carolina, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Cooper Flagg (2) dunks during the second half against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish
at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-Imagn Images
As a father, Ralph has taught Cooper important values like hard work and humility, which have shaped him into the player he is today. His influence goes beyond basketball, making sure Cooper stays disciplined and mentally tough. But Cooper isn’t the only athlete in the family. Let’s take a look at his siblings, who have also been important in shaping his career.
Who are Cooper Flagg’s Siblings?
Cooper isn’t the only athlete in the family. He has a twin brother, Ace, and an older brother, Hunter. Both have been key in his growth. Ace and Cooper have always been inseparable. They played together at Nokomis Regional High School in Maine, even leading their team to a state championship. Their on-court chemistry is something special. That bond pushed Cooper to be his best.
Hunter, the older brother, also played college basketball at Maine Maritime Academy. While he didn’t get the same national attention as Cooper, he’s always been there to guide and support his brothers. Showing how close they truly are as brothers.
Growing up in a basketball-driven family, Cooper was practically built for the game. With every member contributing to the sport in some way, he had a support system most young athletes could only dream of. And having Kelly’s experience—both as a player and a coach—was the ultimate bonus.
Her guidance, combined with the constant support from his dad and brothers, has molded him into the player he is today. With that rock-solid foundation, his potential is limitless. How far can he go? That’s the exciting part—because right now, the sky’s the limit.
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