In the shadow of one of the most electrifying basketball prospects in recent history, a quiet, powerful story has been unfolding. His name is Ace Flagg—the twin brother of Duke basketball sensation Cooper Flagg. While Cooper has captured national headlines, graced magazine covers, and earned the title of No. 1 player in the country, Ace has been carving out a unique legacy of his own—marked not by hype, but by heart, hustle, and hometown pride.
Born and raised in the small, basketball-loving town of Newport, Maine, Ace and Cooper were seemingly inseparable from day one. The twins were known to spend countless hours in their backyard court, trading buckets, blocking each other’s shots, and learning the game not through formal coaching, but through fierce sibling rivalry and an unwavering passion. While Cooper’s journey soon took a national turn—first at Nokomis Regional High, then to the elite Montverde Academy in Florida—Ace took a different path, staying close to home and family. But make no mistake: Ace Flagg isn’t just “Cooper’s twin.” He’s a rising force in his own right.
At 6-foot-8, Ace Flagg brings a physically imposing presence on the court. His game is defined by effort, physicality, and a blue-collar mentality. Coaches rave about his rebounding, defensive instincts, and team-first attitude. Though he might not be the media darling his brother is, those who have watched Ace play know that his impact on the floor is just as real. After helping Nokomis win a Class A state championship alongside Cooper in 2022, Ace continued to shine as a key contributor even after Cooper transferred to Montverde. His senior season was a display of leadership and growth—on and off the court.
Ace’s decision to remain in Maine was not out of complacency but out of purpose. While many expected him to follow his brother to a national powerhouse, Ace opted to commit to the University of Maine—choosing to represent his home state and help revive a program with deep roots but recent struggles. That decision sent a jolt of excitement through the University of Maine’s fan base. Suddenly, the Black Bears weren’t just landing a tall, athletic forward—they were welcoming a symbol of Maine basketball pride.
“I want to stay home. I want to build something here,” Ace said in a rare interview. “Everyone knows Cooper. I’m proud of what he’s doing. But I’ve got dreams too. And I want to do it my way.”
That “way” is already paying off. At Maine, Ace is expected to bring versatility to the forward position, with his length, hustle, and toughness making him an instant contributor. His commitment has also opened doors for local recruiting, as the buzz around the Flagg twins continues to inspire a new generation of young athletes across New England. Suddenly, it’s not just about getting out of Maine to be seen—it’s about staying in Maine and making people watch.
Friends and family describe Ace as more introverted and grounded than his twin brother. While Cooper feeds off the spotlight and thrives in packed gyms filled with NBA scouts, Ace prefers quiet mornings in the gym, early practices, and small-town community events. He’s a gentle giant with a strong sense of loyalty and humility—attributes instilled by their mother, Kelly Flagg, a former college basketball player who coached the twins in their early years.
“Ace is the glue guy,” Kelly once said. “He makes the team better. He doesn’t care about the numbers, the headlines. He just wants to play hard, make his teammates better, and win.”
That attitude mirrors how many in the basketball world are beginning to view him—as the kind of player every winning team needs. In today’s era of flashy highlight reels and viral mixtapes, Ace represents a throwback style of basketball built on fundamentals, defense, and selflessness.
Still, comparisons between the twins are inevitable. Cooper, who reclassified to the Class of 2024 and committed to Duke University, is widely projected as the potential No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. He has a gravity-defying athleticism, a sharp basketball IQ, and a knack for rising to big moments. Ace, meanwhile, is still writing his story—quietly, purposefully, and with a chip on his shoulder.
But rather than allow the spotlight on Cooper to overshadow him, Ace has used it as motivation.
“I know who I am,” Ace once said. “And I know what I bring to the court. Cooper and I are on different paths now, but we’re still side by side—just chasing dreams in our own way.”
The Flagg twins’ story is more than just basketball—it’s about brotherhood, individuality, and resilience. Growing up in rural Maine, where harsh winters and long drives to games were part of life, the twins learned early that success comes from grit, not glamour. Whether it was lifting weights in their basement or working on their shots under snow-covered hoops, Ace and Cooper pushed each other every day.
Their dynamic is rooted in deep love and mutual respect. Cooper has often credited Ace for keeping him grounded. In interviews, he has said that no matter how much attention he gets, Ace is always there to “keep it real.” Their bond remains unbreakable, even as they now lace up for different programs in different states.
And yet, for all their differences, they share one mission: to represent Maine with pride.
As Ace begins his college journey at the University of Maine, there’s a growing sense that this is just the beginning. His combination of size, skill, and work ethic could very well lead to professional opportunities down the line. But even if the NBA isn’t in his future, Ace’s decision to play in Maine will have a lasting impact—especially for young hoopers who dream of making it without leaving their roots behind.
“I want kids here to know they can do it too,” Ace said. “You don’t have to leave home to chase greatness. Sometimes, it’s right where you started.”
For the University of Maine, Ace Flagg is more than just a recruit—he’s a culture changer. For Cooper, he’s the twin who always had his back, through backyard battles and championship games. And for basketball fans across the country, he’s a reminder that greatness comes in many forms—not just the one on ESPN highlights.
In a sport dominated by stars, Ace Flagg shines a little differently—not in the spotlight, but just off-center, where the light hits the ones who grind hardest.
And in the end, perhaps that’s what makes his story so powerful. He’s not trying to be the next Cooper Flagg. He’s just becoming the first Ace Flagg.
