Brooklyn, New York – The culmination of years of relentless dedication, sacrifice, and an unwavering family bond unfolded in a truly poignant scene at the 2025 NBA Draft at the Barclays Center. As NBA Commissioner Adam Silver announced Cooper Flagg’s name as the first overall pick, the collective anticipation in the room erupted, but for Flagg, the immediate focus was on the woman who had guided him every step of the way: his mother, Kelly Flagg. In a moment that transcended the glitz and glamour of the professional basketball stage, Cooper enveloped his mother in a deep, passionate embrace, a silent yet powerful testament to their shared journey.
The image, captured by countless cameras and immediately flooding social media, became one of the most touching highlights of Draft night. It was a raw, unfiltered display of love and gratitude, offering a glimpse into the profound connection between the generational talent and the woman who shaped him. Kelly Flagg, with tears in her eyes and a radiant smile, held her son tightly, reflecting the pride of a mother witnessing her child’s lifelong dream come true.
Cooper Flagg’s rise to the top of the 2025 NBA Draft has been well-documented. The 6-foot-8 forward, who turned 18 in late December 2024, reclassified a year early to attend Duke University, where he spent a singular, impactful season. During his freshman year, Flagg lived up to the immense hype, showcasing an elite two-way game, relentless motor, and a basketball IQ beyond his years. He averaged 19.2 points and 7.5 rebounds, leading the Blue Devils to the Final Four and earning the prestigious AP National Player of the Year award – only the fourth freshman to do so. His versatility, ability to score from all three levels, and exceptional defensive instincts (including switchability across multiple positions and shot-altering length) solidified his status as the consensus No. 1 pick, eventually landing with the Dallas Mavericks.
But behind the highlight reels and the scouting reports lies a story of familial support, hard work, and a shared passion for basketball, largely nurtured by his parents, Kelly and Ralph Flagg. Both Kelly and Ralph are former college basketball players themselves, instilling a love for the game in Cooper and his brothers from an early age.
Kelly Flagg, formerly Kelly Bowman, was a standout basketball player for the University of Maine in the late 1990s. She was a key member of the 1998-99 team that made program history by upsetting Stanford in the NCAA Tournament – the first-ever NCAA tournament win for the UMaine women’s basketball program. In 2021, that team was inducted into the University of Maine Sports Hall of Fame, a testament to her own impressive playing career. Her high school career at Nokomis High School in Newport, Maine, also saw her score over 1,200 career points. Ralph Flagg played basketball at Eastern Maine Community College.
Their household in Newport, Maine, was a basketball haven. Cooper, along with his twin brother Ace (who will play college basketball at the University of Maine this fall, following his mother’s footsteps) and older brother Hunter, grew up immersed in the sport. As Cooper himself has often recounted, his father, Ralph, was a constant presence in the gym, rebounding for him during late-night and early-morning workouts. This foundational support system instilled in Cooper a relentless work ethic and a deep understanding of the game.
Kelly Flagg, in particular, has been a visible and unwavering presence throughout Cooper’s meteoric rise. From his high school days at Montverde Academy to his singular season at Duke, she has been a constant fixture in the stands, often going viral for her passionate reactions and unwavering support. She has spoken openly about the sacrifices the family made, including moving to Florida for Cooper to attend Montverde, to enable his basketball dreams. Her dedication extends beyond cheering; she played an active role in his on-court development and instilled in him a fierce competitive spirit, something Ralph Flagg has himself noted, referring to Kelly as a “fierce competitor” during her playing days.
The embrace on Draft night was more than just a momentary show of affection; it was a culmination of their shared journey. It represented every early morning practice, every late-night flight, every sacrifice, every moment of encouragement, and every dream shared. For Cooper, selecting a custom suit and walking across that stage, with the weight of expectations resting on his young shoulders, was made all the more meaningful by the presence of his family, particularly his mother.
In a sport that often highlights individual achievements, this tender exchange served as a powerful reminder of the foundational role families play in the lives of these elite athletes. It highlighted the unseen hours of support, the emotional labor, and the unwavering belief that underpin every success story. Kelly Flagg’s embrace of her son, the newly minted No. 1 NBA Draft pick, was a moment of pure, unadulterated joy and pride – a deserving tribute to a mother’s profound influence on her son’s path to greatness. As Cooper Flagg now embarks on his NBA career with the Dallas Mavericks, he does so with the knowledge that his family, especially his mother, will always be his staunchest supporters.
