Duke basketball fans and college hoops enthusiasts nationwide already know the name Cooper Flagg—a generational talent and projected future NBA star whose skills have electrified the sport and reignited expectations in Durham. As the No. 1 recruit in the 2024 class, Flagg’s commitment to Duke set off a media firestorm and sent a resounding message about the Blue Devils’ place atop college basketball’s elite programs. But what many don’t realize is that Cooper isn’t the only Flagg making waves on the hardwood. His twin brother, Ace Flagg, may not be commanding the same level of national spotlight, but his story is equally compelling—and perhaps, in its own way, just as important.
Born just minutes apart in the basketball-loving state of Maine, Cooper and Ace grew up immersed in the game. Their early years were filled with driveway one-on-ones, youth league tournaments, and long nights watching NBA highlights on YouTube. While Cooper often drew the attention with his freakish athleticism, fluid movement, and high-flying dunks, Ace was quietly building a skillset and identity all his own. Where Cooper is explosive and flashy, Ace plays with a quiet toughness—an underappreciated grit and high basketball IQ that defines many of the sport’s most successful role players. And now, after years of sharing a court with his twin, Ace Flagg is set to write his own chapter in the college basketball storybook—committing to the University of Maine and embracing the chance to elevate his home state program.
Ace’s decision to stay local and play for the Maine Black Bears is both rare and refreshing in today’s college basketball landscape, where many prospects chase high-profile opportunities, NIL riches, and national TV exposure. For Ace, however, the choice was personal and deeply rooted. He wanted to play in front of family, friends, and the community that shaped his love for the game. His commitment to Maine isn’t just about basketball—it’s about loyalty, legacy, and leading with heart over hype.
Standing 6-foot-7 with a strong frame and an all-around game, Ace brings a lot to the table for the Black Bears. He’s a versatile forward who can guard multiple positions, rebound with aggression, and knock down shots from the perimeter. His basketball instincts are sharp, his passing underrated, and his work ethic relentless. Scouts and coaches alike praise his leadership, his calm demeanor under pressure, and his willingness to do the dirty work most stars shy away from. He doesn’t need the spotlight—he just wants to win.
While Cooper’s rise to fame has been meteoric—filled with five-star rankings, viral highlights, and NBA Draft projections—Ace has quietly taken a different path. He hasn’t needed the same fanfare to develop into a high-level player. Instead, he’s focused on consistent improvement, often training alongside his brother and pushing himself in the shadows. The two share an unbreakable bond, one forged through thousands of hours in gyms and weight rooms, but they’ve also come to embrace their individuality. Cooper has said in interviews that Ace is his best friend and toughest critic—a voice of honesty in a world often filled with praise and pressure.
Their high school careers were closely linked, with both attending Montverde Academy in Florida after transferring from Nokomis Regional High School in Maine. Montverde, widely regarded as one of the nation’s premier basketball powerhouses, gave the twins an opportunity to compete against elite competition and sharpen their skills under the brightest lights. Cooper emerged as the team’s centerpiece, but Ace carved out a key role as well—impacting games with his defense, hustle, and leadership. Coaches raved about his coachability and team-first mentality, noting that he brought a maturity well beyond his years.
For the University of Maine, Ace’s commitment is nothing short of monumental. The Black Bears have long been considered a lower-tier program in Division I, struggling to compete with bigger-budget schools and often overlooked in national conversations. But the arrival of a player like Ace Flagg changes that narrative. He brings instant credibility, local interest, and a winning pedigree. More importantly, he symbolizes a belief that talent can stay home and still thrive. His decision could very well be the start of a cultural shift—not just for Maine basketball, but for mid-major programs across the country.
Fans and media have already begun to speculate about the contrast in the twins’ journeys. Cooper is on a one-and-done trajectory, likely headed to the NBA after his freshman season at Duke, while Ace may play multiple years at Maine, helping to build a program from the ground up. But rather than compare or compete, the twins seem to celebrate each other’s choices. Cooper has publicly expressed pride in Ace’s path, calling it “perfect for who he is and what he wants.” Ace, meanwhile, has shown nothing but support for his brother’s spotlight, often deflecting questions about comparisons with a smile and a simple truth: “He’s doing his thing. I’m doing mine.”
What makes the story of the Flagg twins so compelling isn’t just their talent—it’s their character. In an era where social media clout and personal branding dominate the conversation, Cooper and Ace remain grounded, respectful, and fiercely loyal to their roots. Their parents, both former athletes, have emphasized humility and hard work over hype. The result is two young men who carry themselves with poise and purpose, each aware of the platform they’ve earned but unafraid to forge different paths.
It’s easy to envision Cooper lighting up Cameron Indoor Stadium, thrilling crowds with dunks, blocks, and step-back threes as NBA scouts fill the seats. But don’t be surprised if, at the same time, Ace is quietly leading Maine to its best season in decades—making clutch plays, mentoring younger teammates, and helping to reimagine what’s possible for a small program with big dreams. His impact may not make national headlines every night, but it will be felt in locker rooms, practice gyms, and every corner of the community he represents.
As their college careers unfold, the contrast between the Flagg twins will only highlight the beauty of their shared journey. One will play under the spotlight, the other in the shadows. One on the biggest stage in college basketball, the other helping to build something special from the ground up. But together, they represent a rare and powerful story—of brotherhood, of talent nurtured without ego, and of two young men who chose authenticity over expectation.
The future for both Cooper and Ace is filled with promise. For Cooper, the NBA awaits—a near-certain top pick with the potential to be a franchise-changing player. For Ace, the path is less predictable but no less important. Whether he leads Maine to postseason glory, becomes a fan favorite, or simply continues to embody the values that made him who he is, his journey is worth celebrating.
In the end, this isn’t just a story about twins or even basketball. It’s about choices—about daring to be different, about finding purpose beyond prestige, and about believing that greatness doesn’t have to follow a single script. Ace Flagg may not have the five stars or viral mixtapes, but he has heart, hunger, and a vision all his own. And in the long run, that might just be the most powerful story of all.
