In the world of basketball, few names have exploded onto the national stage as quickly and dominantly as Cooper Flagg. Heralded as one of the most electrifying prospects of his generation, Flagg’s rise through the high school ranks to his eventual selection as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft has been meteoric. But behind that towering talent and poise is a lesser-known story—one that includes another Flagg. A twin. A brother. A fellow baller forging his own unique journey: Ace Flagg.
This is the full story of Cooper Flagg’s twin brother—Ace—their shared origin, divergent basketball paths, family bond, and what makes their twin dynamic such a compelling and underappreciated subplot in modern sports.
The Flagg Family Foundation
Cooper and Ace Flagg were born on December 21, 2006, in Newport, Maine, a small town with a population of roughly 6,000. The Flagg household was already sports-rich. Their mother, Kelly Flagg, is a former University of Maine basketball star who scored over 1,000 career points in college. Their father, Ralph Flagg, also played college basketball at Eastern Maine Community College.
Their oldest sibling, Hunter Flagg, preceded them on the hardwood and shared the court with his twin brothers at Nokomis Regional High School, where the trio won a Class A state championship in 2022. The Flaggs were the ultimate basketball family—a tight-knit unit where competitiveness was a way of life.
Cooper and Ace were fraternal twins—not identical, but undeniably bonded. Their personalities were distinct: Cooper, the more intense and animated one on the court; Ace, quieter but equally passionate and deliberate in his approach. “We couldn’t finish a single driveway game without somebody bleeding,” Cooper once joked, describing the fierce one-on-one showdowns between the two brothers.
But through all the elbows, scrapes, and intense backyard battles, the bond between Ace and Cooper was never in question. They weren’t just twins. They were brothers-in-arms. Warriors raised under the same roof, fueled by the same fire—but destined to walk different paths.
High School Beginnings at Nokomis
Ace and Cooper burst onto the Maine high school basketball scene during the 2021–2022 season, teaming up with Hunter to lead Nokomis to a historic state championship. Both twins were 14 years old, and already the spotlight was beginning to shine on Cooper.
While Cooper began turning heads with his highlight-reel blocks and flashy dunks, Ace played the glue role—a cerebral, selfless forward who defended, passed, rebounded, and made timely plays. Even then, it was clear Ace was more of a system player, someone who elevated others around him rather than commanding attention himself.
By the end of their freshman year, recruiting sites and national scouts were locked in on Cooper. But the Flagg family never allowed the media circus to disrupt their internal harmony. Both brothers continued to work—together.
The Montverde Chapter: Growth and Divergence
In 2022, both twins transferred to Montverde Academy in Florida—widely considered the premier prep basketball powerhouse in America. The move was monumental. Montverde has produced NBA stars like Ben Simmons, Cade Cunningham, and Scottie Barnes. The opportunity was too great to pass up.
At Montverde, Cooper’s stardom exploded. By the end of his sophomore year, he was the No. 1 player in the country, dominating EYBL events and U.S. national team showcases. He reclassified into the Class of 2024 and eventually committed to Duke University, where he’d make history.
Ace, meanwhile, remained in the shadows—not because he lacked talent, but because of the level of talent surrounding him. Montverde’s roster was a who’s who of blue-chip recruits. Ace didn’t complain. He embraced his role, worked on his perimeter shooting, strength, and team defense, and committed himself to improving in the shadows of the nation’s brightest lights.
A Fresh Start: Greensboro Day School
After two years at Montverde, Ace Flagg transferred to Greensboro Day School in North Carolina for his senior season. The move allowed him to emerge from his brother’s shadow and establish his own identity.
In Greensboro, Ace flourished. Under legendary coach Freddy Johnson, he led the Bengals to the NCISAA 3A state championship, his third state title in a third different state (Maine, Florida, and North Carolina). Standing at 6-foot-8, Ace displayed a reliable mid-range game, great instincts, high basketball IQ, and the kind of unselfishness that coaches adore.
He averaged 13.2 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks in his final season—a breakout campaign that earned him mid-major offers and rising buzz.
Recruiting Decision: Loyalty Over Limelight
Despite gaining attention from schools like West Virginia, George Washington, and Georgia Tech, Ace shocked many by committing to the University of Maine on October 30, 2024. The decision was deeply personal—and deeply symbolic.
His mother played there. His older brother Hunter attends there. And Ace wanted to restore the pride of Maine basketball, opting to take the road less traveled.
“I’ve played on stacked teams and I’ve played in the spotlight,” Ace said during his commitment. “But now it’s time to be home. I want to lead something special.”
At a time when most top recruits chase exposure, NIL deals, and national television slots, Ace’s decision reflected a rare combination of humility, loyalty, and belief in self.
Meanwhile, Cooper Conquers College Basketball
Cooper, as expected, dominated at Duke. In his lone season, he averaged 20.4 points, 9.8 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 2.7 blocks per game, winning ACC Player of the Year, National Freshman of the Year, and eventually earning a Naismith Trophy nod.
Duke made a deep NCAA Tournament run with Cooper anchoring the team. His combination of length, skill, versatility, and intensity drew comparisons to Kevin Durant, Andrei Kirilenko, and even a young Larry Bird. On June 25, 2025, Cooper was selected #1 overall by the Dallas Mavericks, becoming the first Maine native ever to earn that distinction.
Ace was right there—front row in Brooklyn—beaming with pride for his twin.
“It was always bigger than basketball,” Ace said post-draft. “Coop and I… we’ve been through everything together. I’m so proud of him.”
The Twin Dynamic: Similar Roots, Different Routes
Ace and Cooper are often compared—but rarely accurately. While both are 6’8” forwards with high basketball IQs, their styles and personalities diverge.
- Cooper is explosive, animated, a vocal leader, and offensive alpha.
- Ace is composed, deliberate, a system-first player with a high motor and elite understanding of team dynamics.
They are twin brothers—but not mirror images. Ace prefers the underdog role, building from the ground up. Cooper embraces pressure and the stage. But both remain grounded and anchored by their parents’ teachings.
Their father Ralph instilled discipline. Their mother Kelly preached mental toughness. The twins credit both for instilling the values that set them apart from other highly touted prospects.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Ace Flagg?
Ace begins his collegiate career at the University of Maine in Fall 2025. Expectations are already high—not just because he’s a Flagg, but because he’s bringing credibility and belief back to the Black Bears program.
He’ll be joined by his girlfriend, Lizzy Gruber, a top women’s basketball recruit also committed to Maine. The power couple has already been nicknamed “The Maine Duo,” and the excitement surrounding both teams has never been higher.
Ace’s goal is clear: elevate Maine basketball into a regional contender, bring the community together, and write his own chapter in the Flagg family legacy.
Why Their Story Matters
In an era of social media clout, NIL wars, and overnight fame, the Flagg twins offer something different: authenticity.
- Cooper, the generational star, refuses to buy into glitz and glamor. He remains grounded and family-first.
- Ace, the steady warrior, chose his heart over hype—opting to build something from scratch in his home state.
Their story is one of loyalty, brotherhood, and balance. They represent two sides of the same coin—fire and water. Fame and foundation. Together, they are redefining what it means to be competitive twins in the modern sports world.
Final Thoughts
The world knows Cooper Flagg—the surefire NBA star with a highlight reel that breaks the internet weekly. But the world is just beginning to discover Ace Flagg, the twin brother who chose a quieter path but carries just as much determination.
From backyard battles in Maine to championships across three states, and now on to college and the pros, the Flagg twins remain one of the most captivating family duos in basketball.
In the end, the story of Ace and Cooper isn’t just about talent. It’s about heart, humility, and home.
