Cooper Flagg Gets Candid: ‘My Mom Has Been My Biggest and Number 1 Supporter — I Owe Everything to Her’

Cooper Flagg, one of the most promising young basketball talents of his generation, has not only captured the attention of NBA scouts and sports enthusiasts across the globe, but he has also made a name for himself as a young man with a deep sense of gratitude and an unshakable commitment to family. At just 16 years old, Flagg has risen through the ranks of high school basketball, earning accolades, recognition, and a growing fan base. But when asked about his greatest inspiration and source of motivation, Cooper doesn’t hesitate. It’s his mom.

“My mom has been my biggest and number one supporter,” Cooper said candidly during an interview in the middle of his breakout season. “I owe everything to her.”

These words are not just a tribute to the woman who birthed him, but also a reflection of the enduring and empowering relationship the two share. As much as Cooper’s meteoric rise on the court can be attributed to his raw talent and dedication, it is his mother, who has been his constant guide, anchor, and biggest cheerleader, that has played an equally vital role in shaping the young athlete into the person he is today.

Early Life and the Influence of Family

Cooper Flagg was born in 2007 in the small town of Newport, Maine, a place far from the bright lights of major cities and the spotlight of professional sports. His upbringing was humble, yet the values of hard work, resilience, and perseverance were instilled in him from an early age. His mother, who raised Cooper and his siblings as a single parent for much of their lives, was a figure of strength, always balancing work, family life, and supporting her children’s passions.

From a young age, Cooper exhibited an intense love for basketball, but it was his mom who first noticed his potential. While many parents might have encouraged their children to focus on more traditional routes to success, Cooper’s mom understood that the game of basketball wasn’t just a passing phase for her son—it was his passion, his escape, and eventually his path toward greatness. She made it her mission to foster that love and help him develop his skills, even when the odds seemed stacked against him.

“I always saw the fire in him, the way he could watch a game and pick up on things that others didn’t,” said Cooper’s mom in an earlier interview. “From the time he was little, I could tell he had something special. I just knew I had to help him get there.”

A Mother’s Sacrifice

For many young athletes, success comes at the cost of intense training schedules, traveling, and time away from family. It’s no different for Cooper Flagg. As he began to show promise on the basketball court, his mother made sacrifices that allowed him to focus on his development. Whether it was taking him to early morning practices, driving him to tournaments in distant cities, or making sure he had everything he needed to be successful on and off the court, Cooper’s mom made it her priority to ensure her son had every opportunity to thrive.

“I knew that if Cooper was going to take basketball seriously, I had to be there for him every step of the way,” she explained. “I made a lot of personal sacrifices, but it was all worth it to see him chase his dream.”

The dedication she showed to Cooper’s basketball career meant rearranging her own professional life and being a constant source of encouragement when the road got tough. There were moments when the pressure of juggling everything felt overwhelming, but her unwavering belief in Cooper’s abilities kept her going.

“She made sure that even when I was tired or felt like giving up, I knew I had someone behind me. Her belief in me kept me going,” Cooper admitted.

This partnership—between mother and son—was essential in molding Cooper into the elite talent he is today. The hours spent in gyms, the games watched together, and the lessons learned about perseverance and grit have remained a foundational part of Cooper’s journey.

Developing a Strong Mindset

As a basketball player, Cooper Flagg is known not only for his incredible athletic ability but also for his mental toughness. He has the rare combination of skill and mentality that many seasoned players only dream of achieving. Much of this mindset, he attributes to his mother.

“My mom taught me from a young age how important it is to be mentally tough,” Cooper explained. “She always told me that talent alone wasn’t going to get me anywhere. You have to have the heart, the grit, and the mindset to keep going even when things aren’t going your way.”

This unwavering mentality has been crucial in his rise through the ranks of high school basketball, particularly in the competitive landscape of AAU and national tournaments. Cooper has faced adversity, such as injuries and tough losses, but through it all, his mother’s words echo in his mind, pushing him to get back on the court and fight harder. It’s not about winning every game, she told him, but about learning from each experience and improving day by day.

Her emphasis on resilience and mental strength has shaped how Cooper approaches challenges both on and off the court. When asked about his key to success, Cooper often brings it back to his mom’s lessons on persistence.

“She taught me that you don’t just show up for the game—you show up for the work,” he said. “That’s something that’s stuck with me.”

The Role of Mentorship and Guidance

Cooper’s mom’s influence has not been limited to just providing logistical support. She has also been a source of life advice and wisdom, helping him navigate the ups and downs of growing up in the spotlight. As the attention on Cooper has grown, so have the pressures of being a young athlete with the potential to go far in the world of professional sports. However, his mother has always been there to help him keep things in perspective.

“There are a lot of people who will try to tell you what to do and how to do it, but you have to trust yourself and stay grounded,” Cooper explained. “My mom is someone I always turn to for advice. She keeps me humble and focused on the right things.”

In an era where young athletes can often get lost in the hype and distractions that come with fame, Cooper’s mom has made sure that he never loses sight of his values. She’s taught him that basketball is a part of who he is, but it doesn’t define him. It’s just one piece of a much larger puzzle that includes family, education, and integrity.

Grateful for the Journey

As Cooper reflects on his journey, he often talks about the sense of gratitude he feels for his mother’s unwavering support. While other athletes might credit their coaches, trainers, or peers for their success, Cooper consistently points to the role his mom has played in shaping his character and career.

“I wouldn’t be where I am today without her,” he said, his voice filled with emotion. “She’s been there through every high, every low, every challenge. She’s always believed in me, even when I wasn’t sure of myself.”

For Cooper, the bond he shares with his mom goes beyond basketball. It’s about family, love, and the sacrifices that are made to help a child follow their dreams. It’s the quiet moments of encouragement, the late-night talks, and the consistent support that have allowed him to thrive both on and off the court.

As he continues to rise in the basketball world, there is no doubt that Cooper will face even greater challenges and expectations. But as long as his mom is by his side, he knows he will be ready to face whatever comes his way.

“She’s not just my mom,” Cooper said with a smile. “She’s my rock. I owe everything to her.”

Looking Ahead

As Cooper’s basketball career continues to flourish, his mother’s role in his life remains unwavering. Whether it’s helping him navigate the recruiting process or just being there for him during the tough times, she will always be his number one supporter.

In interviews, Cooper has already begun to speak about his future goals—playing at the highest levels, potentially entering the NBA Draft, and representing his country on the international stage. But no matter where his journey takes him, he knows that his mom’s influence will remain a steady force in his life.

“She’s always going to be there,” he said. “She’s the reason I started this journey, and she’ll be the one I thank when I make it to the top.”

Cooper Flagg’s story is not just one of athletic talent, but of the powerful bond between a mother and her son, a bond that has helped shape him into the person he is today—and one that will continue to guide him as he chases his dreams in the years to come. His mom has been there from the very beginning, and with her support, there is no telling just how far Cooper Flagg can go.