Ace Flagg
| Personal information | |
|---|---|
| Born | December 21, 2006 Newport, Maine, United States |
| Listed height | 6 ft 8 in (2.03 m) |
| Listed weight | 180 lb (82 kg) |
| Career information | |
| High school | |
| College | Maine (commit) |
| Position | Power forward Small forward |
| Number | 32 |
| Career highlights | |
| |
Ace Flagg (born December 21, 2006) is an American high school basketball player who has committed to play college basketball for the Maine Black Bears. The 6-foot-8 forward is known for being the brother of NBA number one pick, Cooper Flagg.[1]
Early life and family
[edit]Flagg was born in Newport, Maine, to Kelly and Ralph Flagg. His mother, formerly Kelly Bowman, was a standout basketball player at Nokomis Regional High School and later played for the University of Maine women's basketball team. She was tri-captain of the 1998–99 Maine team that achieved the program's only NCAA Tournament victory, defeating Stanford 60–58.[2] His father, Ralph, played college basketball at Eastern Maine Community College.[3]
Flagg is the fraternal twin brother of Cooper Flagg, who played at Duke University and was selected first overall in the 2025 NBA draft by the Dallas Mavericks.[3] The twins also have an older brother, Hunter, who attended the University of Maine.[4]
High school career
[edit]Nokomis Regional High School
[edit]Flagg began his high school career at Nokomis Regional High School in his hometown of Newport, Maine. As a freshman in 2021–22, he played alongside his twin brother Cooper and helped lead the Warriors to their first-ever Maine Class A state championship.[3]
Montverde Academy
[edit]Following their freshman season, both Flagg twins transferred to Montverde Academy in Montverde, Florida, a nationally recognized basketball powerhouse. During his sophomore year (2022–23), Flagg played limited minutes as the team featured numerous high-profile recruits. As a junior in 2023–24, he appeared in 27 games and averaged 2.6 points and 1.3 rebounds per game while shooting 54% from the field.[5] Montverde completed an undefeated season and won the Chipotle Nationals, the unofficial national high school championship.[6]
Greensboro Day School
[edit]For his senior year, Flagg transferred to Greensboro Day School in Greensboro, North Carolina, reuniting with legendary coach Freddy Johnson. Johnson, who has won multiple state championships and is among the winningest high school basketball coaches nationally, praised Flagg's leadership qualities.[7]
In February 2025, Flagg helped Greensboro Day School capture the NCISAA 3A state championship, contributing 11 points in a 46–39 victory over Concord Academy. The championship marked Flagg's third state title in three different states during his high school career.[8][9]
Recruitment and college commitment
[edit]Flagg was rated as a three-star recruit in the Class of 2025 by ESPN.[10] He received scholarship offers from multiple Division I programs, including West Virginia, George Washington, Saint Joseph's, Florida Gulf Coast, and the University of Richmond.[11]
On October 30, 2024, Flagg announced his commitment to the University of Maine via social media, posting "Coming Home #committed" along with highlights from his career.[11] His commitment was particularly meaningful as it represented a homecoming to his family's basketball roots and his mother's alma mater.[citation needed]
Playing style
[edit]Flagg is known for his versatility and basketball intelligence. At 6-foot-8, he can play both forward positions and is praised for his defensive abilities, rebounding, and passing skills. His trainer, Matt MacKenzie, has described him as a player who "puts his body on the line" and excels at the fundamental aspects of basketball, including taking charges, setting screens, and facilitating for teammates.[11]
References
[edit]- ^ Medcalf, Myron (October 31, 2024). "Ace Flagg, brother of Duke phenom Cooper Flagg, commits to Maine". ESPN. Retrieved June 29, 2025.
- ^ Junker, Matt (March 26, 2025). "Cooper Flagg didn't have the most NCAA tourney wins in his family until Sunday". Bangor Daily News. Retrieved June 29, 2025.
- ^ a b c Marks, Brendan; Andrejev, Alex (October 31, 2024). "Ace Flagg, twin brother of Duke's Cooper Flagg, commits to Maine in fitting homecoming". The Athletic. Retrieved June 29, 2025.
- ^ Marks, Brendan; Andrejev, Alex (October 31, 2024). "Ace Flagg, twin brother of Duke's Cooper Flagg, commits to Maine in fitting homecoming". The Athletic. Retrieved June 29, 2025.
- ^ Medcalf, Myron (October 31, 2024). "Ace Flagg, brother of Duke phenom Cooper Flagg, commits to Maine". ESPN. Retrieved June 29, 2025.
- ^ Canfield, Sam (October 30, 2024). "Basketball: Ace Flagg commits to play at UMaine". Portland Press Herald. Retrieved June 29, 2025.
- ^ Buhler, Andy (July 23, 2024). "Ace Flagg transfers to North Carolina high school basketball power: 'He seems like such a born leader'". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved June 29, 2025.
- ^ Junker, Matt (February 23, 2025). "Another high school championship for Ace Flagg". Bangor Daily News. Retrieved June 29, 2025.
- ^ Buhler, Andy (February 23, 2025). "Cooper Flagg's brother, Ace, wins his third title in a third different state". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved June 29, 2025.
- ^ Medcalf, Myron (October 31, 2024). "Ace Flagg, brother of Duke phenom Cooper Flagg, commits to Maine". ESPN. Retrieved June 29, 2025.
- ^ a b c Canfield, Sam (October 30, 2024). "Ace Flagg commits to UMaine men's basketball program". Bangor Daily News. Retrieved June 29, 2025.