In a heartfelt moment following the Dallas Mavericks’ 125-122 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers on December 25, 2023, Cooper Flagg and Donovan Clingan embraced, exchanged jerseys, and posed for a photo. This encounter was not just a post-game ritual; it highlighted a special connection between the two young athletes that traces back generations.
Shared History and Family Bonds
The bond between Flagg and Clingan is rooted in their mothers’ shared history as college teammates at the University of Maine. Clingan, a second-year center for the Trail Blazers, reflected on their connection, stating, “We go back since we were kids. Our families know each other.”
Stacey Porinni Clingan was a standout center at Maine, playing 117 games and leading her team to three NCAA Tournament appearances. She was two years ahead of Kelly Bowman Flagg, Cooper’s mother, who graduated as a co-captain of Maine’s first NCAA Tournament-winning team in 1999.
Tragically, Clingan lost his mother to breast cancer in March 2018. He fondly recalled that Kelly was among those who attended her funeral, reinforcing the depth of their families’ ties. “He’s just from (a) good family,” Clingan said. “He’s a great kid. That connection goes back pretty far.”
Rising Stars in the NBA
Both players have risen through the ranks of basketball, with Clingan playing a crucial role at the University of Connecticut, where he helped secure two NCAA championships. During his official visit to Storrs in September 2023, Flagg had the opportunity to bond with Clingan. “It was really the first time I got to know him pretty well,” Flagg noted. “He showed me a good time.” Ultimately, Flagg chose to attend Duke University over UConn, but Clingan expressed pride in Flagg’s decision, saying, “I guess I didn’t persuade him enough. It worked out for him.”
In the NBA, both players have made significant impacts despite their youth. Clingan was selected by Portland with the seventh overall pick in the 2024 draft, and on Christmas Day, he recorded his tenth double-double of the season, contributing 18 points and 10 rebounds. Flagg, on the other hand, was the first overall pick in June 2024 and has emerged as a standout rookie, leading all newcomers in scoring, ranking third in rebounding, and fourth in assists.
Wearing the number 32, which was also donned by both of their mothers, Flagg’s connection to his family’s legacy is evident. After the game, he presented his jersey to Clingan, symbolizing both their friendship and shared history. “It’s a small world,” Clingan remarked. “Both our moms were high-level hoopers. And both of us are now in the NBA. It’s pretty special. It’s a nice connection. He’s a really special player.”
Their journey in the NBA is just beginning, yet the bond they share through their families adds a poignant layer to their professional paths. As they continue to excel on the court, their mothers’ influence remains a guiding force in their lives and careers.
