Cooper Flagg's Heartfelt Gesture Toward Mom Kelly Flagg on Sunday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Rodney Knuppel | Last updated May 11, 2025 8:15 PM ET

Cooper Flagg is ramping up his preparations for the upcoming NBA Draft, set for June 25. The Maine native wrapped up his high school basketball career at Montverde Academy in Florida, where he earned numerous accolades.

At Montverde, Flagg was named the National High School Player of the Year, a McDonald's All-American, and the Gatorade National Boys Athlete of the Year. His dominant play made him one of the most sought-after prospects in the country.

Flagg chose to play college basketball at Duke, where he quickly became a star. Known not just for his on-court talent but also his strong personal relationships, Flagg has always emphasized the importance of family—especially his close bond with his mother, Kelly Flagg.

On Sunday, Cooper posted a heartfelt Mother’s Day tribute to Kelly Flagg on Instagram. The first photo showed her in her playing days at the University of Maine with the caption “Happy Mothers Day.” The second image was a recent family photo of Cooper Flagg with his parents, accompanied by two heart emojis.

Kelly Flagg was a standout basketball player at the University of Maine and served as team captain during her senior year. His father, Ralph Flagg, also played collegiate basketball at Eastern Maine Community College. Athletic talent clearly runs deep in the family—Cooper Flagg’s twin brother is set to begin his own college basketball career at Maine this fall.

Last month, Kelly Flagg made headlines of her own during Duke’s NCAA Tournament run when she signed an endorsement with Dr. Scholl's.

"I'm excited to be partnering with Dr. Scholl's^® because as a mom of three boys who are all involved in sports, I know just how much energy and effort it takes to keep up," posted Kelly Flagg. "Moms are the unseen force behind every athlete – whether we're cheering from the sidelines, hustling between games, or making sure they're fueled and ready to go. We're putting in just as many miles as they are! Dr. Scholl's^® insoles are that little boost that helps us keep moving, no matter what the day throws at us."

Cooper Flagg ended his freshman season at Duke having played in 37 games, averaging 19.2 points and 30.7 minutes per game. He helped lead the Blue Devils to the Final Four of the NCAA Tournament, where they were narrowly defeated by Houston, 70-67.

Fans will soon find out where Cooper Flagg will begin his professional career, with the NBA Draft Lottery scheduled for Monday night.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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