The hype around the No. 1 seed Duke Blue Devils is soaring heading into the first round of the 2025 NCAA men’s basketball tournament.
With Duke set to take on No. 16 Mount St. Mary’s in Raleigh on Friday, the attention driven by star freshman Cooper Flagg is extending off the court to his family members.
Flagg’s mom, Kelly Flagg, took a turn in the spotlight for her antics during one of Duke’s three matchups with North Carolina this season. Her antagonizing gesture — and ensuing apology on Facebook — riled up rival fanbases, while also winning plenty of fans.
Thanks to a post on Friday showing her gameday outfit, Flagg’s grandmother has now become the third generation of the family to catch the attention of college basketball fans this season.
Flagg’s family showed out for the quick trip from Durham to Raleigh to watch him return for the first round. His grandmother made no secret of who she was there to support, sending fans into a frenzy over the custom sweater she wore with her grandson’s face on it.
With Duke set to take on No. 16 Mount St. Mary’s in Raleigh on Friday, the attention driven by star freshman Cooper Flagg is extending off the court to his family members.
Duke Blue Devils forward Cooper Flagg (2) reacts during the second half against the Pitt Panthers at Cameron Indoor Stadium.
Duke Blue Devils forward Cooper Flagg (2) reacts during the second half against the Pitt Panthers at Cameron Indoor Stadium.
Duke officially announced on Thursday that the ACC Player of the Year would be “active” for the game on Friday after suffering a scary ankle injury in the ACC Tournament quarterfinal on March 13.
The Blue Devils won the ACC Tournament without him, but getting the consensus All-America First-Team selection back for the NCAA Tournament was a much-needed boost. Flagg led the Blue Devils in all major statistical categories this season, averaging 18.9 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.1 assists, 1.5 steals and 1.3 blocks per game.
“Tell granny I need me 1 lol,” wrote a jealous fan on X.
“Straight (fire emoji),” replied another.
“I want that sweatshirt,” said one response in Spanish. “Cooper Flagg’s grandmother is a big deal.”
“Grandma in attendance? Duke by 30,” joked an X user.
Several fans noted that it was the same sweater she wore in an AT&T commercial that featured her playing bingo with her grandson, which debuted during March Madness.
If one thing is clear about the Flagg family, it is built for the spotlight. Now, it is up to Cooper to live up to the hype in the tournament, just like he has all season.
