Last Updated on October 9, 2026 by Orlando Bloom
Cooper Flagg is an American professional basketball player who plays for the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA. Born on December 21, 2006, in Newport, Maine, he became one of basketball’s most exciting young talents after being selected with the first overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. He was subsequently named the 2025–26 NBA Rookie of the Year. Beyond his remarkable basketball achievements, fans are interested in Cooper Flagg’s family, particularly his girlfriend, children, parents and siblings.
Flagg comes from a family with strong basketball connections. His mother, Kelly Bowman Flagg, was a standout college basketball player at the University of Maine, while his father, Ralph Flagg, played at Eastern Maine Community College. Cooper has two living brothers, his fraternal twin Ace Flagg and older brother Hunter Flagg. His family also experienced the tragic loss of Hunter’s twin brother, Ryder, shortly after birth. In his personal life, Cooper publicly confirmed his relationship with Duke University basketball player Arianna Roberson in May 2026.
Cooper Flagg’s Girlfriend: Meet Arianna Roberson
Cooper Flagg’s publicly confirmed girlfriend is Arianna Roberson, an American college basketball player who represents the Duke Blue Devils women’s basketball team.
The couple confirmed their romantic relationship in May 2026 after weeks of speculation surrounding their appearances together and social media activity.
Arianna Roberson is originally from San Antonio, Texas, and attended Clark High School before enrolling at Duke University.
Standing approximately 6 feet 4 inches tall, she plays as a center and has developed into a promising young player in women’s college basketball.
Roberson also comes from a basketball family. Her older brother, Andre Roberson, played in the NBA for the Oklahoma City Thunder and Brooklyn Nets.
During her first active college basketball season in 2025–26, Arianna averaged 8.0 points and 5.7 rebounds per game for Duke. She earned ACC All-Freshman Team recognition after overcoming an injury that had kept her out of competition during the previous season.
How Did Cooper Flagg and Arianna Roberson Meet?
Cooper Flagg and Arianna Roberson share a connection through Duke University, where both enrolled in 2024.
Cooper played for Duke’s men’s basketball team during the 2024–25 season, while Arianna joined the women’s basketball program during the same academic year.
However, Roberson missed her first season because of an injury, meaning they did not compete for their respective Duke basketball teams at the same time.
The exact circumstances surrounding their first meeting have not been publicly confirmed.
Speculation about their romantic relationship emerged in April 2026, when Arianna attended Cooper’s NBA Rookie of the Year press conference.
During the event, she sat alongside members of the Flagg family, including Cooper’s parents, Kelly and Ralph Flagg.
Her presence attracted attention and prompted questions about whether the two basketball players were dating.
In May 2026, the rumors intensified after both shared photographs from a vacation in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
On May 14, 2026, Arianna posted a TikTok video featuring herself and Cooper enjoying their vacation together.
The video included several photographs and clips of the couple spending time together, holding hands and posing for the camera.
Cooper subsequently shared a photograph of himself kissing Arianna on his Instagram Story, publicly confirming their relationship.
ESPN and other major sports publications reported the announcement on May 15, 2026.
As of now, Arianna Roberson is Cooper Flagg’s most recently publicly confirmed girlfriend. The couple have not announced an engagement or marriage.
Cooper Flagg’s Children: Does He Have a Son or Daughter?
There is no reliable public information confirming that Cooper Flagg has children. The Dallas Mavericks forward has not announced the birth of a son or daughter, and his official NBA biography does not identify any children.
Although his relationship with Arianna Roberson has attracted public interest, neither player has announced that they are expecting or raising a child together.
At 19 years old, Flagg is establishing himself as one of the NBA’s leading young players after a successful rookie season.
Most public reporting about his personal life focuses on his parents, brothers, basketball upbringing and relationship with Roberson.
As of now, Cooper Flagg has no publicly confirmed children. This does not establish anything about aspects of his private life that he has chosen not to disclose.
Cooper Flagg’s Parents: Meet His Father and Mother
Cooper Flagg’s parents are Ralph Flagg and Kelly Bowman Flagg. Both were competitive college basketball players before raising their children in Newport, Maine.
The couple married in the early 2000s and established a household in which basketball became an important part of everyday family life.
Their experience playing the sport helped them guide their sons through youth competitions, high school basketball and college recruitment.
Cooper Flagg’s Father: Ralph Flagg
Ralph Flagg is Cooper Flagg’s father and a former college basketball player who represented Eastern Maine Community College.
Although he did not pursue a prominent professional basketball career, Ralph developed a strong understanding of the game through his collegiate experience.
He met Kelly Bowman after their college years, and their shared passion for basketball helped establish a strong connection between them.
After marrying, Ralph and Kelly settled in Newport, Maine, where they raised their sons.
Ralph played an important role in introducing Cooper and his brothers to basketball from an early age.
The family spent considerable time practicing in their driveway and at local basketball gyms.
During a January 2025 interview with Blue Devil Nation, Cooper explained that his father had always been important to his basketball preparation.
He recalled spending early mornings and late nights training with Ralph, who regularly rebounded for him during shooting workouts.
These practice sessions helped Cooper develop the confidence and technical skills that later made him an outstanding high school and college basketball player.
Ralph has also supported his son’s career by attending games and important basketball events.
He accompanied the family to the 2024 ESPY Awards and supported Cooper during his successful season at Duke.
When the Dallas Mavericks selected Cooper with the first overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, Ralph celebrated the achievement alongside his wife and children.
Despite Cooper’s growing fame, Ralph has remained closely connected to the family and their basketball traditions.
Cooper Flagg’s Mother: Kelly Bowman Flagg
Cooper Flagg’s mother is Kelly Bowman Flagg, a former American college basketball player who represented the University of Maine during the 1990s.
Kelly grew up in Newport, Maine, and attended Nokomis Regional High School, where she became one of the school’s most accomplished basketball players.
Her performances attracted attention from college basketball programs, eventually leading her to join the University of Maine women’s basketball team.
During her collegiate career, Kelly helped the Black Bears win multiple conference championships and qualify for the NCAA Tournament.
One of her most memorable achievements came during the 1999 NCAA women’s basketball tournament.
Kelly was part of the Maine team that defeated Stanford University, earning the program’s first NCAA Tournament victory.
She also served as a team captain during her senior season, demonstrating her leadership abilities and competitive determination.
The historic 1998–99 Maine women’s basketball team was inducted into the university’s Sports Hall of Fame in 2021.
Kelly’s basketball experience later became an important influence on her children.
She encouraged Cooper, Ace and Hunter to enjoy the sport while emphasizing discipline, teamwork and consistent improvement.
In interviews, Kelly has explained that Cooper displayed an extraordinary dedication to basketball from a young age.
She recalled how he would accompany her to school early in the morning so he could practice shooting before classes began.
Even when Cooper was in middle school, he regularly spent additional time working on his basketball skills.
Kelly became widely recognized among college basketball fans during the 2024–25 season because of her passionate support for her son at Duke.
Her emotional celebrations during games frequently attracted attention on social media.
In March 2025, she told People magazine that watching her sons succeed was especially meaningful because she understood the dedication and sacrifices required to compete at a high level.
In September 2025, the Flagg family returned to Maine to celebrate Kelly’s induction into the Maine Sports Hall of Fame.
Her achievements reflect a basketball legacy that continues through her sons’ sporting careers.
Cooper Flagg’s Siblings: Meet His Brothers Ace and Hunter Flagg
Cooper Flagg has two living brothers: his fraternal twin brother, Ace Flagg, and his older brother, Hunter Flagg.
Both brothers grew up playing basketball in Newport, Maine, and have maintained close relationships with Cooper throughout his athletic journey.
The family also remembers Ryder Flagg, Hunter’s twin brother, who died shortly after birth in August 2004.
Ace Flagg – Cooper Flagg’s Twin Brother
Ace Flagg is Cooper Flagg’s fraternal twin brother and a college basketball player for the University of Maine Black Bears.
Born on December 21, 2006, Ace shares Cooper’s birthday but has developed his own basketball identity.
The twins grew up together in Newport, Maine, where they regularly played basketball with their older brother Hunter.
From an early age, Cooper and Ace participated in youth basketball competitions and spent countless hours practicing at home.
Both attended Nokomis Regional High School, where they helped the basketball team win the Maine Class A state championship in 2022.
The victory represented a significant achievement for the school’s basketball program.
Following their freshman season, Cooper and Ace transferred to Montverde Academy in Florida, a nationally recognized basketball development program.
At Montverde, the twins continued improving their skills while competing against some of the country’s most talented high school players.
They helped the program achieve national success, including the 2024 national high school championship.
Although Cooper reclassified to enter Duke University a year early, Ace remained in high school and eventually transferred to Greensboro Day School in North Carolina.
There, he continued his development and helped the team win another state championship.
In October 2024, Ace committed to the University of Maine, choosing to represent the same institution where his mother had played college basketball.
He officially joined the Maine Black Bears for the 2025–26 season.
During his freshman campaign, Ace appeared in all 32 games, averaging 6.7 points, 4.1 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game.
His performances earned him a place on the America East All-Rookie Team.
Although the brothers pursue basketball at different levels, they have maintained a strong relationship.
In interviews, they have discussed growing up together, competing against each other and supporting one another’s achievements.
Despite their physical resemblance and shared basketball background, Cooper and Ace have different personalities and playing styles.
Their relationship remains an important part of the Flagg family’s basketball story.
Hunter Flagg – Cooper Flagg’s Older Brother
Hunter Flagg is Cooper Flagg’s older brother. He was born on August 4, 2004, making him approximately two years older than Cooper and Ace.
Hunter also grew up in Newport, Maine, and attended Nokomis Regional High School.
Like his younger brothers, he developed an interest in basketball and represented the school’s basketball program.
During the 2021–22 season, Hunter was a senior while Cooper and Ace were freshmen, allowing all three brothers to participate in the same high school basketball program.
The team went on to win the Maine Class A state championship, creating a memorable achievement for the family.
Hunter subsequently attended the University of Maine, where he pursued studies in sports management.
Unlike Cooper and Ace, Hunter has generally maintained a lower public profile.
Nevertheless, he has appeared alongside his brothers and parents during important family celebrations.
In July 2026, Cooper, Ace and Hunter joined their parents on the television game show Family Feud.
The family’s appearance supported Ronald McDonald House, a charitable organization with which the Flaggs have a deeply personal connection.
Ryder Flagg – Cooper Flagg’s Late Brother
Cooper Flagg’s family also includes the memory of Ryder Flagg, Hunter’s twin brother, who died two days after being born in August 2004.
Kelly experienced premature labor approximately 24 weeks into her pregnancy, and both boys were born with serious medical challenges.
While Ryder died shortly after birth, Hunter remained in a neonatal intensive care unit for 109 days before eventually returning home.
During Hunter’s hospitalization, Kelly stayed at Ronald McDonald House in Portland, Maine, allowing her to remain close to her newborn son.
The experience had a lasting impact on the family and helped establish their connection to the charity.
When Cooper and Ace were born in December 2006, the family welcomed another set of twins.
The Flaggs have subsequently supported Ronald McDonald House initiatives, including their participation in Family Feud in 2026.
Ryder remains an important part of the family’s history, even though Cooper never had the opportunity to meet him.
How Cooper Flagg’s Family Influenced His Basketball Career
Cooper Flagg’s family played a central role in his development from a young basketball player in Maine to one of the NBA’s most promising stars.
Having two parents with college basketball experience provided Cooper with an early understanding of the sport.
His mother contributed competitive experience and technical knowledge, while his father helped him develop through regular training sessions.
Growing up alongside Ace and Hunter also created an environment in which basketball was part of everyday family life.
The brothers regularly competed against each other in driveway games, developing confidence, determination and a strong competitive mentality.
Cooper began attracting national attention during his freshman season at Nokomis Regional High School.
He helped the school win a state championship and became the first freshman to receive Maine’s Gatorade Player of the Year award.
After transferring to Montverde Academy, he established himself among the leading high school basketball prospects in the United States.
In October 2023, Cooper committed to Duke University, one of the country’s most prestigious college basketball programs.
During the 2024–25 season, he averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game.
His outstanding performances earned him numerous national honors, including the Wooden Award and Naismith College Player of the Year award.
He also helped Duke reach the NCAA Final Four.
On June 25, 2025, the Dallas Mavericks selected Cooper with the first overall pick in the NBA Draft.
His parents and brothers celebrated the achievement, recognizing the years of training and dedication that had led to the moment.
Cooper then delivered an exceptional first NBA season, averaging 21.0 points, 6.7 rebounds and 4.5 assists across 70 games.
On April 27, 2026, he was named the NBA Rookie of the Year, becoming the second-youngest recipient of the award behind LeBron James.
The achievement strengthened the Flagg family’s sporting legacy and marked another milestone in Cooper’s basketball journey.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cooper Flagg’s Family
Who is Cooper Flagg’s girlfriend?
Cooper Flagg’s publicly confirmed girlfriend is Arianna Roberson, a basketball player for Duke University’s women’s team. The couple confirmed their relationship through social media on May 14, 2026.
How did Cooper Flagg and Arianna Roberson meet?
Both attended Duke University during the 2024–25 academic year, although the exact circumstances of their first meeting have not been publicly disclosed.
Is Cooper Flagg married?
There is no reliable public confirmation that Cooper Flagg is married. He has publicly confirmed a romantic relationship with Arianna Roberson but has not announced a wife or wedding.
Does Cooper Flagg have children?
Cooper Flagg has no publicly confirmed children. He has not announced having a son or daughter.
Who are Cooper Flagg’s parents?
His parents are Kelly Bowman Flagg, a former University of Maine basketball player, and Ralph Flagg, who played college basketball at Eastern Maine Community College.
Who is Cooper Flagg’s mother?
His mother is Kelly Bowman Flagg, a former University of Maine basketball player who helped the program secure its first NCAA Tournament victory in 1999.
Who is Cooper Flagg’s father?
His father is Ralph Flagg, a former college basketball player who helped Cooper develop his skills through regular training sessions during childhood.
Does Cooper Flagg have a twin brother?
Yes. Cooper Flagg has a fraternal twin brother named Ace Flagg. Both were born on December 21, 2006. Ace plays college basketball for the University of Maine.
Who is Cooper Flagg’s older brother?
Cooper Flagg’s older brother is Hunter Flagg, who was born on August 4, 2004. Hunter played basketball at Nokomis Regional High School and later attended the University of Maine.
How many siblings does Cooper Flagg have?
Cooper Flagg has two living brothers, Ace and Hunter. His family also experienced the loss of Ryder Flagg, Hunter’s twin brother, who died shortly after birth in 2004.
Does Cooper Flagg have a sister?
There is no reliable public information confirming that Cooper Flagg has a sister. His publicly documented siblings are his brothers Ace, Hunter and the late Ryder.
Where is Cooper Flagg from?
Cooper Flagg is from Newport, Maine, where he grew up with his parents and brothers before attending Montverde Academy in Florida.
How old is Cooper Flagg?
Cooper Flagg was born on December 21, 2006, making him 19 years old as of October 2026.
Which NBA team does Cooper Flagg play for?
Cooper Flagg plays for the Dallas Mavericks. He was selected first overall in the 2025 NBA Draft and won the 2025–26 NBA Rookie of the Year award.
Orlando Bloom is a sports journalist and analyst specializing in in-depth NBA coverage, tactical breakdowns, and advanced player analytics. With a passion for professional basketball, he covers everything from trade deadline maneuvers and Draft prospects to team strategies and league-wide trends. Combining detailed stat analysis with game context, Orlando delivers sharp insights and compelling stories for avid basketball fans and casual followers alike.
