The Early Signs of Competitiveness

In a quiet moment from a few years back, Kelly Flagg reminisces about a pivotal early memory with her twin boys, Cooper and Ace. At just four years old, the boys were engrossed in a spirited game of "Just Dance" on the Nintendo Wii. Cooper emerged triumphant from the first round, basking in the glory of his victory, but the tide turned with the next song. When Ace clinched the win, Cooper crossed his arms, turned his back, and sulked—exhibiting the fierce competitiveness that would become his trademark.

A Legacy of Excellence

From a young age, Cooper exhibited a relentless drive to win, a trait his mother is all too familiar with. "He won't accept anything less than being the best at everything he does," Kelly explained. "It doesn’t matter if it’s basketball, baseball, or even board games—he finds a way to turn it into a competition." Cooper’s unyielding drive is a legacy of his family's rich basketball history. His father, Ralph, played at Eastern Maine Community College, while Kelly was part of four NCAA Tournament teams at the University of Maine. This background laid a strong foundation for Cooper's ambitions.

Coaching and Honesty

As a mother and a coach, Kelly’s brutal honesty has played a crucial role in shaping Cooper's character. "I’ve never sugarcoated my feedback," she said. Kelly values giving credit where it's due but is equally frank about critiques, focusing particularly on effort and mental lapses, such as neglecting to crash the boards after a shot. Her insistence that free throws are a given showcases the high standards she holds him to, noting, "He should never miss any. They are free for a reason."

Early Competitions

Cooper's innate competitiveness resulted in him playing at various age levels well ahead of his peers. By third grade, he was competing in fifth and sixth-grade leagues, and by seventh grade, he was already dunking.

Competitive Spirit on Display

In December 2023, while on a trip with Montverde Academy, Cooper's competitive nature was on full display. Approached by his future Duke teammate Patrick Ngongba, Cooper chose to ignore him entirely before their game, emphasizing what was at stake—a battle he had to win. His focus was unmatched, and it perfectly illustrated his dedication to maintaining a distinction between teammates and rivals.

Success at Montverde Academy

Cooper thrived under the guidance of Montverde's coaching staff, leading the team to an impressive 33-0 season and securing a national championship. His exceptional performance included an infamous showdown against Long Island Lutheran, where his fierce mentality led his team to victory by a staggering 32 points. The young star garnered attention both for his talented gameplay and his admirable interactions with fans, emphasizing his awareness of his role as a potential role model.

A Rising Star

His journey into the sport began in fourth grade when former University of Maine standout Andy Bedard noticed Cooper’s skills during a youth basketball league. This early recognition led to Cooper joining Maine United, where long drives to practices became a normal routine for the Flaggs, cementing their commitment to his development.

Paving the Way

Cooper soon showcased his talent on national stages, dominating competitions and earning accolades, with his versatility shining through at both local and elite levels. During a standout game at Peach Jam in his junior year, he scored an incredible 52 points, incidentally debunking any notions that he couldn’t be a primary scorer.

Current Achievements and Future Prospects

Fast forward to the present: Cooper is now making waves as a freshman at Duke University, through his stunning standards of 18.7 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game. The anticipation of his next match against Arizona in the Sweet 16 is palpable, especially as he continues to display growth in his perimeter shooting and defensive skills. Experts now have him firmly positioned as the projected first overall pick in the upcoming NBA Draft this June.

The Drive to Win

As Duke aims for the national championship, the stakes are high, and Cooper remains fiercely focused on the present—his sole objective being victory. "Right now, the only thing that matters to him is winning the national championship," Kelly stated with pride, underscoring the sheer intensity with which Cooper approaches every challenge.

Conclusion

Cooper Flagg embodies dedication, ambition, and a relentless pursuit of excellence, traits that continually propel him toward basketball greatness while also enabling him to inspire the next generation. His journey is just beginning, and the spotlight awaits.