From the bottom of a mother’s heart, I want to thank Coach…

From the bottom of a mother’s heart, I want to thank Coach. Thank you for seeing the potential in my son Cooper when I was still learning to see it myself. Thank you for nurturing that potential, guiding it, molding it, and pushing him to be more than he ever imagined possible. Thank you for welcoming him into the Duke family — a family that became our family, a home where dreams took root and grew into realities.

When Cooper first stepped foot on Duke’s campus, he was just a boy with a dream, a spark in his eyes and a basketball in his hands. But Duke was more than a school or a team — it was a crucible where his character was forged, where lessons beyond the court shaped the man he would become. And as a mother, watching him evolve in that environment has been nothing short of a blessing.

The journey to the NBA draft was never just about basketball. It was about grit, heart, resilience, and the power of belief — belief from a community, a coaching staff, teammates, and a fanbase that held him up through every high and low. Duke basketball wasn’t just a stepping stone; it was the foundation of Cooper’s life. And today, as he hears his name called by the Mavericks, I want to share our story, our gratitude, and the deep love that binds us all to Duke basketball.

Cooper’s love affair with basketball started in our driveway, where the hoop barely reached above his head and every shot was a small victory. As any mother does, I dreamed alongside him — of college, of championships, of a future bright with promise. But the path was never guaranteed. It was lined with challenges, doubts, and moments where giving up felt like the easier choice.

When Coach called, inviting Cooper to join Duke, it felt like a dream within a dream. The prestige, the legacy — Duke basketball means so much more than wins and losses. It means tradition, excellence, and a commitment to molding not just athletes, but leaders. For Cooper to be welcomed into that tradition was an honor beyond words.

Duke basketball is legendary, yes. But what makes it truly exceptional is the culture — a culture of integrity, discipline, and unyielding support. Here, Cooper wasn’t just a player; he was a son, a brother, a student, a man learning to navigate life’s complexities with humility and grace.

The coaching staff instilled in him a sense of purpose beyond the game. Coach, you taught him that basketball is a platform — a way to impact lives, inspire others, and carry oneself with honor. Those lessons are etched in his heart forever.

From grueling practices to late-night study sessions, from the roar of Cameron Indoor Stadium to quiet moments of reflection, Duke was a place where Cooper found himself. He learned to trust the process, to lean on his teammates, and to lead with courage. These lessons are his true draft picks — qualities no one can take away.

No one succeeds alone, and Duke’s team became Cooper’s brothers. The bonds they forged were unbreakable — a brotherhood built on sweat, tears, and shared dreams. I saw Cooper grow not just as an athlete but as a leader, someone who lifted others up even when he was struggling.

To his teammates, thank you for being his family away from home. Your camaraderie, your friendship, your fierce loyalty — these were the pillars that supported him through every game and every setback. Watching you all grow together was a joy and a privilege.

There were moments of glory — buzzer-beaters, hard-fought victories, championship runs that brought tears of joy to all our eyes. But there were also moments of heartbreak — injuries, tough losses, and the constant pressure to perform at the highest level. Through it all, Cooper never lost sight of who he was or why he played.

Those trials taught him resilience. They taught him to rise stronger, to embrace failure as a stepping stone, and to carry the weight of expectations with dignity. Duke’s program doesn’t just prepare athletes for the court; it prepares them for life. And Cooper is living proof.

As a mother, watching Cooper evolve through his time at Duke has been the greatest gift. Thank you, Coach, for your unwavering faith in him, for seeing his potential even when the path was uncertain. Thank you to every staff member, trainer, tutor, and supporter who invested in his journey.

Thank you to the fans, who cheered and supported not just the victories, but the effort, the heart, and the growth. You made Cooper feel seen and valued every step of the way.

Today, as Cooper steps into the next chapter of his life with the Mavericks, I am overwhelmed with pride and gratitude. The journey that began on a driveway hoop, that blossomed in the halls of Duke, is only just beginning.

Cooper carries with him the lessons of Duke — the discipline, the brotherhood, the humility, and the unshakable belief that with hard work and heart, anything is possible. And I have no doubt that he will carry those values onto the professional stage and beyond.

Duke basketball has given us more than a career; it has given us a legacy. A legacy of love, of dedication, of community. For that, from the bottom of my heart, I thank you. Thank you for shaping my son, for believing in him, and for being a part of our story.

This is not just Cooper’s victory — it is Duke’s victory. And as he dons the Mavericks jersey, he will carry the Blue Devil spirit with him, forever proud of where he came from.

To all mothers and families watching their children chase dreams — hold on to hope, cherish every moment, and trust the journey. Cooper’s story is proof that with faith, support, and relentless effort, dreams do come true.

Thank you, Duke basketball, for being the home that made this possible.

With endless gratitude and love,
Kelly Flagg