**Inside Cooper Flagg’s Athletic Dynasty: The Family Behind Duke’s Rising Phenom**Cooper Flagg, Duke’s newest basketball sensation, hails from a family steeped in sports excellence. His parents, Kelly (Bowman) and Ralph “R.P.” Flagg Jr., were standout athletes at the University of Maine—Kelly as a basketball star and R.P. as a baseball player. Kelly, inducted into the Maine Basketball Hall of Fame in 2022, later coached her sons, instilling a competitive mindset.The Flaggs’ athletic legacy extends to Cooper’s siblings. His twin brother, Ace, is a 6’6″ forward who joined him at powerhouse Montverde Academy, while older brother Hunter played college basketball at UMaine-Augusta and Husson University. Homeschooled early on to prioritize sports, Cooper’s family-driven journey—from Newport, Maine, to national prominence—underscores the teamwork and dedication shaping his rise as the nation’s top recruit.
Basketball runs deep in the Flagg family’s bloodline.
Duke basketball phenom Cooper Flagg’s athletic roots trace back to parents Kelly Bowman Flagg and Ralph Flagg – both former collegiate athletes who instilled their passion in three hoop-loving sons.
The couple, united in marriage since the early 2000s, first welcomed son Hunter in 2004 alongside his twin Ryder, who tragically passed after two days. Brothers Cooper and Ace arrived later as twins in 2006. Growing up in Newport, Maine, the siblings turned their driveway into a perpetual court for fierce matchups.
“Every game ended with somebody sprinting inside yelling for Mom, usually bleeding,” Ace recalled to New Center Maine in Spring 2025. “The competition never stopped being electric.”
Now making waves nationally, three-time state champion Ace has pledged to play for the University of Maine, while projected 2025 NBA top pick Cooper electrified audiences during his freshman campaign at Duke.
The Blue Devils currently battle for NCAA supremacy, set to clash with Houston’s Cougars in the April 5 Final Four showdown.
[Cooper’s] character matches his talent – an outstanding young man who makes us proud daily,” Kelly shared with PEOPLE in March 2025.
Explore the basketball dynasty behind Cooper Flagg through these family highlights:
Kelly and Ralph’s Collegiate Court Dominion
The apple didn’t fall far from the hardwood.
Kelly left her mark at the University of Maine during the late 90s, part of the historic 1998-99 squad that secured the program’s inaugural NCAA tournament victory against Stanford.
Their 2021 Sports Hall of Fame induction prompted Kelly’s emotional social media tribute: “An unforgettable era! Honored beyond words!”
Ralph showcased his skills at Eastern Maine Community College before love intervened. Their post-college romance flourished through pickup games where Ralph admits Kelly’s signature up-fake move proved unstoppable.
“Her competitive fire burned bright,” Ralph told ESPN in 2024. “That pivot shot? Pure nightmare fuel for defenders.”
Four Children Shape Flagg Dynasty
Kelly and Ralph’s journey to parenthood included profound challenges.
After premature labor at 24 weeks in 2004, Hunter spent 109 days in NICU while the family grieved Ryder’s passing. Kelly remained at Portland’s Ronald McDonald House throughout, declaring, “I’m not leaving without my fighter.”
Following fertility treatments, the couple celebrated the 2006 arrival of twins Ace and Cooper. “Our miracle squad was complete,” Kelly reflected in past interviews.
From Childhood Drills to College Thrills
Cooper’s meteoric rise began with relentless training under Ralph’s guidance.
“Those midnight rebound sessions with Dad shaped me,” Cooper told Blue Devil Nation. Securing his first collegiate offer in middle school, he bypassed senior year to join Duke’s prestigious program.
Brotherly Hoops Dominance Continues
The Flagg legacy expands through multiple programs.
After leading Nokomis Regional High to a 2022 state championship together, Ace later claimed titles in Florida and North Carolina before committing to Maine – where Hunter studies sports management.
“Three states, three rings – Ace rewrote the record books,” Cooper marveled during a post-game presser.
Superstitious Support System
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The devoted parents have developed unique game-day rituals to support their basketball prodigies.
During a March 2025 interview with PEOPLE, Kelly revealed her mandatory same-seat policy while Ralph avoids team apparel on competition days.
“I need consistent seating arrangements with familiar faces nearby,” she shared. “My husband deliberately wears non-Duke clothing during matches.”
ACC Tournament Moment Sparks Social Media Frenzy
The March 2025 ACC Tournament became memorable when Cooper executed a powerful dunk against UNC. Spectators erupted as Kelly celebrated with a head-tapping gesture while shouting controversial remarks about the play.
Social media platforms buzzed with reactions to Kelly’s passionate display, with critics calling it inappropriate. The mother later addressed the controversy through a Facebook post blending apology and defiance.
“My regrets to those upset by my heat-of-the-moment language,” she stated. “While I recognize it wasn’t my finest appearance, it reflected parental pride and retaliation against UNC fans’ persistent poor sportsmanship.”
“To offended Tar Heel supporters – deal with it,” she concluded. “Blue Devils forever.”
Source: Adapted from People
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