Cooper Flagg's Mom, Kelly Flagg, Reveals How She Raised the No. 1 NBA Draft Pick
When
Cooper Flagg
was selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, the basketball world took notice—not just of his elite talent, but of the journey that brought him from a small town in Maine to the sport's biggest stage.
While much of the spotlight now shines on Cooper, his rise can't be fully understood without recognizing the unwavering influence of his mother, Kelly Flagg. Her unique blend of athletic background, honest parenting, individualized focus, and humor became the foundation for a household built on grit, love, and excellence.
How a Basketball Legacy at Home Laid the Foundation for Cooper Flagg's Rise
Cooper Flagg's path to stardom didn't begin on hardwood at Duke or in front of NBA scouts—it started in a gym that felt more like home.
Kelly Flagg (née Bowman) wasn't just a supportive parent; she was a former star herself. At the University of Maine, she led her team to its first-ever NCAA tournament win in 1999 and later earned a spot in the school's Sports Hall of Fame. Cooper's father, Ralph, also played college basketball, making the sport a family affair.
Their three children—Hunter, Ace, and Cooper—grew up immersed in the game. Basketball wasn't a hobby; it was woven into their everyday lives.
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Late-night shooting drills, family court battles, and dinner conversations all revolved around hoops. 'I dreamt that my kids would be great basketball players,' Kelly once said with a laugh. 'That's why I married your dad—he was tall. I thought I could get some tall basketball babies.
'
Why Kelly Flagg's Personalized Parenting Approach Made All the Difference
Cooper Flagg. Image via: Getty Images
But Kelly's parenting approach wasn't just about basketball. She believed in raising each of her kids as distinct individuals, tailoring her support to fit their personalities and needs.
'I've always been intentional about parenting them as individuals,' she explained. 'Even though they're both competitive, their mindsets and approaches are different. So we adjusted how we raised them accordingly.'
As both a coach and a mom, Kelly knew when to give tactical advice and when to offer emotional support. Game nights were emotionally taxing—she often felt like she had played every minute alongside Cooper.
Instilling Relentless Competitiveness While Keeping Cooper Flagg Grounded
A central trait that defines Cooper Flagg is his insatiable competitiveness—a fire Kelly helped ignite and stoke from an early age. In the Flagg household, everything was a challenge. 'He doesn't accept anything less than being the best,' Kelly said. 'Whether it's basketball or something small, he wants to dominate.'
But it wasn't just about winning. Kelly also grounded her children in realism and accountability.
'I've never sugarcoated anything,' she admitted. 'If their effort wasn't there, I'd tell them. I think being honest has helped them.'
Her straightforwardness paid off. Cooper embraced the grind—working on fundamentals, staying late in the gym, and mastering the details, especially free throws. 'They're called free for a reason,' Kelly would say, emphasizing the value of focus and repetition.
Balancing High-Stakes Pressure with Family Rituals, Humor, and Support
As Cooper's fame grew, so did the pressure—but Kelly made sure the family stayed rooted.
Rituals like sitting in the same seat for games or sticking to quirky superstitions kept things lighthearted and familiar. She never lost her sense of humor, often joking about marrying for basketball genetics or poking fun at Cooper's rising status.
More than anything, she maintained a strong emotional presence. No matter how high Cooper climbed, the Flagg family made it a priority to support one another—on the court and beyond.
The Flagg Family Blueprint: How Love, Honesty, and Intentionality Built a Generational Talent
Kelly Flagg never claimed to have a magic recipe for raising a superstar. But through her actions, she revealed a powerful truth: greatness is born at the intersection of genetics, intention, honesty, competition, and love. Her commitment to understanding her children as individuals, challenging them to work harder, and being there every step of the way created more than just a basketball star—it built a resilient, grounded young man ready for anything.
Also read:
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Cooper Flagg's journey may be his own, but it's one deeply rooted in a family culture that values authenticity, grit, and joy. And in that culture, Kelly Flagg isn't just a mom—she's the architect.
Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
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