Cooper Flagg’s freshman season at Duke was nothing short of spectacular. The 6’9″ guard led the Blue Devils to a 35-4 record, averaging 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.4 blocks per game. His impressive performance earned him the Wooden Award, given to the top college basketball player.
Flagg’s success can be attributed to his hard work and dedication, as well as the support of his family, particularly his mother, Kelly Bowman Flagg. Kelly played Division I basketball for the University of Maine and has been a constant presence at Cooper’s games, offering encouragement and constructive criticism. In an interview, Flagg credited his mom with keeping him accountable, especially when it comes to his free throws. “Every time I missed a free throw, she was always yelling at me… After every game, she always gives me her rundown on things I could have done better.”
Kelly Flagg has become a viral sensation for her animated celebrations, including a notable incident during a game against UNC where she was caught on camera with a strong reaction. She later addressed the moment on Facebook, saying it was in response to some “crude” UNC fans ¹ ².
As Flagg looks to the future, he’s predicted to be the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. With his talent and his mom’s support, he’s well on his way to achieving his basketball dreams ³.
