Before Cooper Flagg became a basketball star, he used to practice and play in the driveway of his home in Newport, Maine. During those early days, his twin brother, Ace Flagg, never went easy on him. He challenged Cooper, pushed him hard, and helped make him stronger and better.
Now, Cooper has become one of the top young talents in the sport after being selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft by the Dallas Mavericks. Following that milestone, Ace has finally told the basketball world what truly shaped Cooper’s greatness.
Ace Flagg Reveals How He Helped Shape Cooper Flagg’s Basketball Journey
Ace and Cooper Flagg began their basketball journey together at Nokomis Regional High School. They both transferred to Montverde Academy in Florida for their sophomore and junior years. Their paths separated when Cooper committed to Duke University and Ace chose to transfer to Greensboro Day School in North Carolina for his senior season.
In a recent interview, Ace opened up about how their lifelong bond has shaped Cooper’s rise to stardom. “Yeah, it’s been the world,” Ace said in an interview with KXAS-TV 5 in Dallas-Fort Worth when asked what it’s been like watching Cooper’s success.
“You always think back to the memories when it was just us playing in the driveway and now to see him up there, you know, holding up the jersey,” Ace said. “It’s a crazy feeling because it’s been such a long ride and it’s very proud of him.”
The Flagg twins have been inseparable on and off the court since Day One. “We play just a lot of one-on-one, one-on-one-on-one if (Cooper and Ace’s brother) Hunter was there,” Ace recalled.
“One of the things we were not good at was calling our own fouls,” Ace said. “So that’s what usually led to the fights. You know, someone going to the rim, give him a hard foul. Don’t call it. Make him tougher. It’s what we used to say.”
Cooper gained national attention after his commitment to Duke. In his lone season there, he averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists. But Ace, a Maine commitment, has yet to step into the national spotlight.
Ace Flagg has committed to the University of Maine! pic.twitter.com/qdgPnJjGeq
— Adam Robinson (@FunkFlashyRob) October 29, 2024
His choice to join the University of Maine reflects a deep family connection. His mother played there and Hunter is also on campus pursuing a degree in sports management.
However, Ace admires his twin’s success from the core of his heart. He’s carved his own path by winning three state championships in three different states. Who knows? Maybe one day, NBA fans will see both of them share the court together.
