Cooper Flagg’s Jersey Number Story
Cooper Flagg, the talented basketball player, has a unique story behind his jersey number. Flagg wore the number 32 jersey during his high school career, but he couldn’t wear it at Duke University.
The Reason Behind the Change
The number 32 jersey was retired at Duke University in 1992 to honor Christian Laettner, a legendary player in NCAA history. This meant that Flagg had to choose a different number to wear during his time at Duke.
A New Number with a Special Meaning
Flagg chose to wear the number 2 jersey at Duke, but this number also holds a special meaning. He decided to wear this number to pay tribute to Donovan Kurt, a teammate of Flagg’s older brother Hunter.
A Tribute to a Lost Friend
Donovan Kurt tragically passed away from brain cancer at the age of 19. Flagg’s decision to wear the number 2 jersey is a heartfelt tribute to his brother’s lost friend.
Flagg’s Connection to the Number 32
During his high school career, Flagg wore the number 32 jersey, which was a nod to his mother, Kelly. She also wore number 32 in high school and played college basketball at the University of Maine.
A Family Connection
The number 32 also holds significance for Flagg’s family. The number was worn by Stacey Clingan, Donovan Clingan’s mother, who was Kelly’s teammate at Maine and passed away due to breast cancer in 2018.
Flagg’s Decision
Flagg’s decision to wear the number 2 jersey at Duke was a personal one. He wanted to honor the memory of Donovan Kurt and pay tribute to his brother’s lost friend.
A New Chapter
As Flagg begins a new chapter in his basketball career at Duke, he will wear the number 2 jersey with pride. The number may have changed, but the passion and dedication remain the same.
The Significance of Jersey Numbers
Jersey numbers can hold significant meaning for athletes. They can be a way to pay tribute to loved ones, honor memories, or simply express personal style.
Flagg’s Story Inspires
Flagg’s story is an inspiration to many. His dedication to his craft and his family is evident in his decision to wear the number 2 jersey at Duke.
