In a poignant moment after the Dallas Mavericks’ 125-122 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers on December 25, 2023, rookie Cooper Flagg sought out fellow player Donovan Clingan for a heartfelt exchange. The two embraced, swapped jerseys, and captured the memory in a photograph, highlighting a deep-rooted connection that spans generations.
A Legacy of Connection
The bond between Flagg and Clingan is more than just a friendship; it is a familial link. Both players’ mothers played basketball together at the University of Maine. Stacey Porinni Clingan, Donovan’s mother, was a prominent center who led the Black Bears to three NCAA Tournament appearances. She started 117 games and averaged impressive statistics during her collegiate career. Meanwhile, Kelly Bowman Flagg, Cooper’s mother, was a co-captain on the only Maine women’s basketball team to win an NCAA Tournament game, achieving this milestone in 1999.
Tragically, Clingan lost his mother to breast cancer in March 2018. He fondly recalled that Kelly was one of the attendees at the funeral, solidifying their families’ connection. “He’s just from a good family,” Clingan said. “He’s a great kid. That connection goes back pretty far.”
Both players have made significant impacts in their respective careers. Clingan, who played at the University of Connecticut, was instrumental in securing two NCAA championships for the Huskies. He had hoped to persuade Flagg to join him at UConn, and when Flagg visited in September 2023, Clingan welcomed him as a host. “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 play for Duke University.
On-Court Success and Personal Growth
In the realm of professional basketball, both Flagg and Clingan have quickly risen to prominence. Clingan was selected as the seventh overall pick by the Trail Blazers in the 2024 NBA Draft, and he recorded his tenth double-double of the season in the recent game, contributing 18 points and 10 rebounds. This performance helped the Blazers extend the Mavericks’ losing streak to seven consecutive road games.
Flagg, on the other hand, was the number one overall pick in the June draft, emerging as a standout player amidst a challenging season for the Mavericks. He currently leads all rookies in scoring, ranks third in rebounding, and stands fourth in assists. Wearing the number 32, which was also donned by both of their mothers in their basketball careers, Flagg embraced the significance of this connection.
After the game concluded, Flagg exchanged his jersey with Clingan, a gesture symbolizing their 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.”
This exchange not only highlights their mutual respect and friendship but also underscores the enduring legacy of their families in the world of basketball. As they continue to develop their careers, Flagg and Clingan carry with them the memories and values instilled by their mothers, binding them through both personal and professional ties.
