After taking the college basketball world by storm in the 2024-2025 season, Cooper Flagg is now making headlines for something far beyond the hardwood. The 18-year-old sensation stunned fans during his freshman season with the Duke Blue Devils, leading them to the NCAA Final Four.
Despite a 27-point performance in the national semifinal against the Houston Cougars on April 5, Duke narrowly fell short, losing 70-67. But even in defeat, Flagg’s stock soared, and he remains the projected No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming 2025 NBA Draft.
With the NBA Draft just around the corner on June 25, anticipation is building not just for Flagg’s professional future, but also for the powerful gesture he and his family made in the big day’s lead-up.
Cooper Flagg’s Family’s Charitable Move
Just days after Flagg officially declared for the draft, his family has made a moving announcement. They’ve blessed an official NBA Draft party to be held at a local sports bar in Falmouth, Maine.
But it’s not just a celebration—it’s a fundraiser with heart. All proceeds from the event will be donated to the “Ronald McDonald House”, a charity that holds deep personal significance for the Flagg family.
“We’re feeling very fortunate to be in this position where we can give back. When we think about what we want to do, this is a great partnership for us to be able to give back to. Something like this that we personally have benefited from,” said Flagg’s mother, Kelly Flagg, as per a Bangor Daily News article by Matt Junker.
But why the Ronald McDonald House? For the Flaggs, it’s not just a charity but it’s part of their story.
According to “Bangor Daily News”, the Ronald McDonald House played a vital role in the family’s life during some of their toughest moments. When Flagg’s elder brother Hunter was hospitalized for 109 days after birth the Ronald McDonald House served as a sanctuary for the family providing them with comfort and support while they stayed close to the hospital. Years later, when Flagg and his twin brother Ace were born the same facility once again became a safe haven during those early days.
Today, Hunter is studying sports management at the University of Maine, and Ace, who also has basketball ambitions, hopes to continue his athletic journey at the same university.
As Flagg stands on the brink of NBA superstardom his story continues to inspire. He’s not just a generational basketball talent—he’s a reminder that humility, gratitude, and giving back never go out of style.
Flagg’s Performance Over the Years
Now that we know Flagg’s family made a heartwarming gesture ahead of the 2025 NBA Draft, it’s worth looking back at how the 18-year-old basketball prodigy has performed over the years.
Flagg began his high school sports career at Nokomis Regional High School and later moved to Montverde Academy for his dominant high school basketball stint. His final year stats included an average of 16.4 points together with 7.5 rebounds and 3.8 assists and 2.7 blocks per game.
During his high school years Flagg earned Gatorade National Player of the Year honors and was also named MVP of the Nike EYBL.
Although Flagg spent just one season at Duke, he made a huge impact. Across 37 games he averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds and 1.4 blocks, leading the Blue Devils to the Final Four and also earning him ACC Player of the Year while bringing consensus First-Team All-American honors that have positioned him among the elite prospects in the upcoming NBA Draft.
