Cooper Flagg returns to Maine for youth basketball camp

ORONO, Maine (WGME) — Maine’s Maverick is back.

Cooper Flagg returned to Maine, along with his brother, Ace Flagg, to mentor the next generation of basketball players.

It marks the second year in a row the twin brothers are teaming up to help out hundreds of youngsters learn about basketball.

It’s an opportunity to give back, which Cooper says he does not take for granted.

“It means a lot. I feel like that’s the whole reason we are here. Just to have the visibility and give them this experience and just try and give back to the community,” Cooper said.

The camp carries special meaning for Ace, too.

“When we were their age, we had players that we looked up to. So to be able to be that example for them is really nice,” Ace said.

Proud parents Kelly and Ralph Flagg say having these camps for area youngsters is something they take great pride in.

“It does bring back a lot of memories of bringing our own kids to camps,” Ralph said.

“They remember being campers themselves and how fun it was to see the college players and interact with them,” Kelly said.

Fresh off being the top player selected in the NBA Draft, Cooper will soon be heading off to Dallas to start his career as a Maverick, while Ace begins his freshman season as a University of Maine Black Bear. But both are grateful to be back together, and back home in Vacationland.

“Having this happen and being able to put a lot of smiles on these kids faces, it just means a lot it’s definitely really refreshing,” Cooper said.