Kelly Flagg Pens Emotional Tribute to Duke Basketball After Son Cooper Drafted by Mavericks
In a heartfelt message that has swept through the college basketball world, Kelly Flagg — the proud mother of NBA draftee Cooper Flagg — expressed deep gratitude to the Duke Blue Devils basketball program for helping mold her son into the man and athlete he is today.
Just days after Cooper Flagg was selected by the Dallas Mavericks as the No. 3 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, Kelly took to social media with a moving tribute that captured the attention of fans across the country — and especially within the Duke family.
“From the bottom of a mother’s heart,” Kelly began, “I want to say thank you to Coach Jon Scheyer, the Duke staff, the fans, the medical team, the mentors, and every single person who played a role in Cooper’s journey in Durham. You didn’t just train a player — you nurtured a young man.”
The post, filled with warmth and gratitude, highlighted the nurturing environment Cooper found at Duke, where he spent just one unforgettable season. Kelly praised the program not only for developing Cooper’s talents but also for guiding him through one of the most intense years of his life with care, patience, and love.
“When Cooper left for Duke, I knew he had the skill,” she wrote. “But it was the family he found there — the brotherhood, the support, the character-building — that helped shape him into the leader, the competitor, and the dreamer who now begins his next chapter in the NBA.”
Cooper Flagg, widely regarded as one of the most exciting prospects in recent memory, was a standout during his lone season at Duke, electrifying fans with his athleticism, court vision, and poise under pressure. His humility off the court mirrored the values instilled in him at home and nurtured in Durham.
Kelly’s tribute sparked an emotional response from fans on social media, many of whom commented with blue heart emojis, messages of love, and praise for the program’s legacy.
One fan replied: “This is what Duke is about. Not just winning, but building great men. Thank you, Mrs. Flagg, for trusting us with your son.”
Even Duke Head Coach Jon Scheyer responded, reposting Kelly’s message with a short but powerful caption: “Once a Blue Devil, always family. Thank you, Kelly. And congrats, Coop. Dallas got a special one.”
As Cooper embarks on his NBA career with the Dallas Mavericks, the bond between his family and the Duke community remains strong — a reminder that beyond the wins, banners, and draft picks, the Blue Devil brotherhood leaves a lasting impact.
