By any measure, Cooper Flagg is a generational basketball talent. But in the shadow of the 6-foot-9 Duke phenom stands someone who is no less remarkable—his twin brother, Ace Flagg. Long seen as the quieter half of the Flagg duo, Ace has charted a unique journey from “Cooper’s twin” to a gifted basketball player in his own right, earning his own place in the hallowed halls of Cameron Indoor Stadium.
Ace’s decision to commit to Duke University wasn’t just about family or comfort—it was about forging his own path while honoring the bond that helped get him here. As the spotlight increasingly shines on this unassuming but fierce competitor, it’s becoming clear that the Blue Devils may have landed one of the most overlooked gems in the 2025 class.
Growing Up Flagg: Twin Flames in the Gym
Ace and Cooper Flagg were born on December 21, 2006, in Newport, Maine—a small town that would quickly become a destination for curious recruiters and basketball enthusiasts. From the time they could walk, the Flagg twins were inseparable both on and off the hardwood. Raised by basketball-savvy parents—Kelly and Ralph Flagg, both of whom played college basketball—the twins inherited a passion for the game that bordered on obsession.
While Cooper’s explosive athleticism, length, and rim protection made scouts salivate early on, Ace carved out a more nuanced role, often acting as the cerebral point forward, floor general, and defensive glue.
“Ace was always the guy doing the little things—the extra pass, the box-out, the talking on defense,” said their high school coach at Montverde Academy. “People saw Cooper’s blocks and dunks, but Ace was the guy keeping the machine running.”
The Silent Star of Montverde Academy
At Montverde Academy, the Florida basketball powerhouse that has produced NBA talents like Cade Cunningham and Scottie Barnes, Ace Flagg’s role wasn’t to dominate stat sheets—it was to make winning plays.
Standing at 6-foot-7 with a 6’10” wingspan, Ace is a versatile wing who can guard multiple positions, knock down open shots, initiate offense in transition, and set the tone on defense. Coaches and scouts have praised his high basketball IQ, leadership qualities, and unrelenting competitiveness.
During Montverde’s 2024–25 season, while Cooper was averaging 18 points, 10 rebounds, and 3 blocks per game, Ace quietly chipped in with 10 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, and nearly 2 steals per game—all while defending the opposition’s best perimeter player.
NBA scout Marcus Graham described Ace as “a glue guy with the potential to become an elite 3-and-D player at the college level and beyond. He doesn’t need the ball to impact the game, and that’s rare for someone so young.”
Why Duke? Loyalty, Legacy, and Brotherhood
For many top recruits, the decision about where to play college basketball involves weighing opportunities for exposure, development, and NIL potential. For Ace Flagg, the decision was more personal. With his brother Cooper already making waves as a freshman at Duke, Ace took his time evaluating other programs but ultimately felt drawn to Durham.
“It wasn’t just about following Cooper,” Ace said in a recent interview. “It was about joining a program that values defense, unselfish play, and doing things the right way. Coach Scheyer made it clear that he saw me as more than just ‘Cooper’s brother.’ He believed in who I am.”
Jon Scheyer, now firmly settled into his role as Duke’s head coach after succeeding the legendary Coach K, has shown a keen eye for talent that fits his team-first system. Adding Ace to a recruiting class that already features elite talent signals Scheyer’s continued emphasis on culture, chemistry, and smart basketball.
“Everyone sees Cooper,” Scheyer said. “But what impressed me from the jump was Ace’s understanding of the game, his commitment to team success, and his ability to lead by example. He’s going to be huge for us.”
The Flagg Duo Reunited: On-Court Synergy
With Ace set to arrive on campus for the 2025–26 season, Duke fans are already salivating at the prospect of the Flagg twins sharing the court again—this time wearing blue and white in front of the Cameron Crazies.
Their chemistry is near-telepathic, developed through years of shared battles in driveways, AAU gyms, and high school tournaments.
“I know what he’s going to do before he does it,” Ace said about Cooper. “We’ve been playing together forever. I know where he wants the ball, where he’ll be on defense. It’s like playing with an extension of yourself.”
That synergy is not just sentimental—it’s strategic gold. Duke could potentially deploy the twins in lineups that emphasize defensive switching, quick decision-making, and offensive spacing. With Ace’s passing and shooting complementing Cooper’s slashing and rim protection, the Blue Devils could unlock one of the most dangerous two-way duos in college basketball.
Finding His Voice and Identity
While it would be easy to define Ace Flagg by his relation to Cooper, those closest to him know that he’s always been his own man. He’s not the loudest player on the court, but he speaks volumes with how he plays—with effort, with focus, and with the kind of intangibles coaches dream about.
“He’s the kind of guy every team needs,” said NBA trainer Drew Hanlen. “Ace might not be a 25-point scorer, but he’ll win you games in ways that don’t show up in the box score.”
Ace is also known for his humility. When asked how he feels about constantly being referred to as “Cooper’s twin,” he replied: “It doesn’t bother me. Coop is one of the best out there. If anything, it motivates me to keep working and to make my own mark.”
Strengths and Areas of Growth
Ace’s Strengths:
- High IQ: Rarely makes mental mistakes and thrives in structured systems.
- Defense: Switchable defender who embraces challenging assignments.
- Passing: Sees the floor well and finds open teammates with precision.
- Off-Ball Movement: Cuts smartly, relocates for threes, and opens driving lanes.
- Leadership: Commands respect with his work ethic and team-first attitude.
Areas for Improvement:
- Aggressiveness on Offense: Can sometimes defer too much, especially in isolation.
- Shot Creation: Needs to develop more advanced off-the-dribble moves.
- Strength: Adding muscle to better handle college-level physicality.
His commitment to development, however, is not in question. “He’s in the gym more than anyone,” said Montverde’s strength coach. “That motor is real.”
Life Off the Court: Balanced and Grounded
Despite the spotlight, Ace remains grounded. He’s active in community outreach programs, works with youth basketball camps, and plans to study sports psychology at Duke.
He’s also a voracious film-watcher, spending hours studying players like Mikal Bridges, Andre Iguodala, and Derrick White—guys who carved out roles as elite defenders and intelligent playmakers in the NBA.
“I like guys who do it all—guys who aren’t flashy but just win,” he said.
What Ace Flagg Brings to Duke
Duke’s 2025–26 roster is expected to be deep and dynamic, with multiple top-50 recruits and key returners. Adding Ace to the mix gives Scheyer a versatile swingman who can play shooting guard, small forward, or even small-ball power forward depending on the matchup.
He’ll likely play the Swiss Army knife role—guarding opposing wings, initiating fast breaks, hitting catch-and-shoot threes, and making critical hustle plays. Think of him as a hybrid between Shane Battier and Justise Winslow, with room to grow into a true two-way star.
If Cooper heads to the NBA after his freshman season, Ace will carry the Flagg banner into a new era—no longer in the shadow of his twin, but standing tall as a Duke Blue Devil in his own right.
Looking Ahead: Legacy and Expectations
The Flagg name will be etched into Duke history one way or another. Cooper may go down as one of the most talented freshmen to ever play in Durham. But Ace has a chance to build something just as meaningful—a legacy of leadership, loyalty, and love for the game.
In a college basketball era increasingly dominated by flash, NIL deals, and one-and-done prospects, Ace Flagg represents something refreshingly different: a player who cares deeply about the team, the school, and the process of getting better every single day.
He may have started as “Cooper’s twin,” but by the time he leaves Durham, he might just be remembered as Ace—a name that, in Duke lore, will mean heart, hustle, and excellence.
Final Thought
As Duke prepares for its future, the commitment of Ace Flagg signals more than just a familial reunion—it’s the next chapter of a basketball story still being written. And if the early signs are any indication, Ace is ready to turn the page and show the college basketball world exactly who he is.
Not just Cooper’s brother.
Not just a role player.
But a Blue Devil with purpose. A leader. An Ace.
