Cooper Flagg’s dazzling rise to the top of the 2025 NBA Draft culminated in an unforgettable moment — etched not just in basketball history, but forever in the hearts of those closest to him.

When the Dallas Mavericks claimed him as the No. 1 overall pick at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn on June 25, 2025, the emotional impact was immediate and profound — particularly for his mother, Kelly Flagg. Her reaction spoke volumes: a blending of legacy, love, and boundless pride.

A family legacy on full display

Flagg’s basketball prowess was fostered in a family immersed in the sport. His mother, Kelly, starred at the University of Maine in the late 1990s, even helping lead them to their first NCAA Tournament win in 1999 . His father, Ralph, played at Eastern Maine Community College. Together, they nurtured a lineage that put Cooper — and his twins Ace — on a path to basketball stardom.

But it was Kelly who seemed to bring the emotions to the surface on draft night.

“I’m so proud of you.” — a mother’s tears

The moment commissioner Adam Silver announced “Dallas Mavericks… Cooper Flagg,” mother and son shared a long, tight embrace . On-screen cameras lingered as tears glistened in Kelly’s eyes, and Cooper fought back his own, nearly overcome by the sheer weight of the achievement and her reaction. As he later revealed, seeing his mom cry made him want to cry too — but he quickly recomposed himself .

Kelly’s words conveyed the simplicity and depth of her pride: “I just hoped that he loved the game as much as we all have — I’m just thrilled that he did love it and got to this moment. It’s incredible!” .That raw sentiment resonated widely — a mother so profoundly proud that even the million-dollar contract and media frenzy paled in comparison.

Built by love, grit, and shared history

Their embrace wasn’t just a fleeting image — it encapsulated decades of shared ambition. Years earlier, Cooper the five-year-old would wander into his mother’s games.

As he grew, their bond deepened with countless backyard one-on-one matchups — Kelly would even confess, “She used to beat me all the time” . Beyond that familial connection, Kelly became a coach at Nokomis Regional High School, guiding not just her sons but an entire community through hoops and dedication .

When Cooper entered Duke — and later the 2024–25 ACC tournament — Kelly’s support was unwavering. She was seldom seen on the sidelines, missing only nine games all season . During Cooper’s fall-down-and-rise journey, she and other Blue Devil parents served as both emotional anchor and competitive kin, reinforcing his resolve .

A hometown’s pride, a mother’s spotlight

Newport and the broader Maine community rallied around the Flaggs in a way rarely seen for an NBA prospect. Back in Maine, a lively watch party filled Nokomis High School’s gym — with more than pride in the air: Missy and Peter Seehusen spoke of Cooper’s humility; Travis Turner pointed out how the small-town unity had been galvanized by his ascent; and school principal Mary Nadeau described the feeling as “euphoric” .

Prior to the draft, Kelly and Cooper organized a fundraising evening at a Falmouth sports bar. The beneficiary? Ronald McDonald House — a charity personally meaningful to the family. “We’ve benefited from them” during family health challenges like his brother Hunter’s prolonged hospital stay, Kelly shared . It’s yet another lens into her character: pride mingled with gratitude and empathy.

Maintaining humility in the spotlight

Despite all the hype — Naismith & Wooden Awards, ACC dominance, social media virality — Kelly emphasized balance and perspective, shaping her son well beyond basketball . She’s adamant they’ll stay grounded amidst the glitz of Dallas, intentionally part of his support structure in this pivotal phase .

Cooper reinforced that their closeness means everything: “I wouldn’t be here without these people,” he told ESPN, nodding toward his parents . It’s not just lip service — the jersey number he chose, 32, echoes his mother’s high school number, a tribute to her influence and legacy .

Looking forward: a duo to watch

As Miss Kelly Flagg held back tears in Brooklyn on June 25, she wasn’t just celebrating a milestone — she was celebrating the culmination of family dreams, labor, and love. Cooper’s excitement was palpable, but so was his reliance on his roots: “having my family close with me … is going to be really important” he shared.

Now, they step onto a broader stage together — in Dallas, but still threaded with Maine, Duke, and Nokomis. She, the steadfast guide. He, the prodigy taking flight with her wisdom in tow. As the Mavericks launch into a future anchored by this generational talent, one certainty stands clear: Cooper Flagg’s success will always echo the heartbeat of a mother’s love, sacrifice, and unmatched pride.

In the moment Kelly whispered “I’m so proud of you,” the NBA universe heard something universal: the pride of a parent witnessing a child achieve their dream — and the unshakeable bond between mother and son. That one phrase, carried on the draft-night airflow, will reverberate far beyond it.