Rise of the Other Flagg: Meet 6′8″ Ace Flagg—Cooper’s Twin Brother Turned Maine-Bound Star After Backyard Battles and Bold Ascent

In the world of basketball, few names have recently carried as much weight in prep circles as Cooper Flagg. The towering phenom has captured headlines, highlight reels, and the imaginations of fans from coast to coast. But behind the glare of his meteoric rise lies another story, one that’s been unfolding in quieter gyms and smaller towns—the story of his 6′8″ twin brother, Ace Flagg. Often cast in the role of sidekick, Ace is now stepping firmly into his own spotlight, not as a shadow to Cooper, but as a rising Maine-bound college star whose game was forged through relentless backyard battles, brotherly competition, and a quiet fire that refuses to dim.

Growing up in Newport, Maine, the Flagg twins were inseparable, not just by birth but by basketball. From a young age, their driveway was more than just a place to shoot around—it was a battleground, a proving ground, and a place where legends, however local, were made. Friends and neighbors often heard the thud of the ball, the clank of the rim, and the occasional heated debate over a foul call. These weren’t just games; they were war. And through every match, every skinned knee, and every triumphant buzzer-beater, both brothers were building something more than just skill—they were building each other.

Cooper, with his uncanny instincts and eye-popping athleticism, quickly ascended to national stardom. But Ace was never far behind. In fact, those who’ve watched them up close often whisper that the difference in talent isn’t as wide as the media makes it seem. While Cooper excelled with flash and flair, Ace grounded his game in grit, hustle, and cerebral execution. He was the kind of player who did the dirty work, who set the screens, boxed out, rotated on defense, and never took a play off. Coaches saw in him a rare blend of size, versatility, and team-first mentality that could anchor a college program.

While Cooper made the leap to Montverde Academy in Florida and eventually declared for Duke, Ace made a different choice. He stayed closer to home, choosing to continue his basketball journey at the University of Maine. To some, it seemed like a surprising move—a high-major talent opting for a mid-major program in a small Northeastern state. But for those who know Ace, it was perfectly in character. He’s not chasing the cameras. He’s chasing growth, opportunity, and the chance to blaze his own path.

And that path is already drawing attention. Maine’s coaching staff, led by Chris Markwood, saw in Ace more than just a headline-grabbing surname. They saw a foundational player—a cornerstone who could help elevate a program hungry for resurgence. The Black Bears have been building steadily in recent years, and Ace’s arrival marks a potential turning point. His commitment not only brings talent but also renewed excitement and relevance to Maine basketball, both regionally and beyond.

What makes Ace’s journey even more compelling is the way he’s embraced his role as the “other” Flagg. In today’s social media-fueled era, being the less-celebrated sibling can weigh heavy. Comparisons are inevitable, especially when your brother is being billed as the future face of college basketball. But Ace hasn’t flinched. He’s never tried to outshine Cooper, nor has he allowed himself to be overshadowed. Instead, he’s carved out a space that is wholly his own, grounded in humility, hard work, and quiet confidence.

Talk to those who’ve coached him, and the praise is effusive. They’ll tell you about his basketball IQ, his leadership, his willingness to do whatever it takes to win. They’ll speak of a player who watches film with a coach’s eye, who leads by example in practice, and who brings a palpable intensity every time he steps on the court. One assistant coach noted, “He might not always be the flashiest guy out there, but when the game’s on the line, you want Ace Flagg in your foxhole.”

Ace’s game reflects that mindset. At 6′8″, he can guard multiple positions, switch seamlessly on pick-and-rolls, and contribute on both ends of the floor. Offensively, he’s a capable shooter, a smart passer, and an underrated finisher around the rim. Defensively, he’s tough, vocal, and instinctual—a coach’s dream in today’s positionless game. His stats don’t always scream superstar, but his impact is undeniable. He’s the kind of player who makes others better, who elevates a team’s ceiling by his mere presence.

Now, with his college career on the horizon, Ace is ready to take the next step. The University of Maine has plans to build around him—not just for his ability on the court, but for the culture he brings. He embodies a blue-collar ethos, a throwback toughness that resonates deeply in a region known for its resilience. Fans, alumni, and even casual observers are beginning to rally behind him, not as Cooper’s brother, but as Ace, the leader of a new era in Black Bears basketball.

The twin dynamic, though often a point of fascination for outsiders, is something both brothers handle with grace. Their bond is unshakable, built not on competition, but on mutual respect and shared dreams. Cooper has openly praised Ace in interviews, often crediting him as his toughest opponent and most trusted teammate. And Ace, for his part, has always been Cooper’s biggest supporter. Their paths may diverge in geography and media attention, but at their core, they remain aligned—in love for the game and loyalty to one another.

Interestingly, Ace’s decision to stay in Maine has also sparked broader discussions about the value of loyalty in today’s basketball landscape. In an age where players often hop from program to program chasing exposure, Ace chose familiarity, roots, and the chance to build something from the ground up. It’s a refreshing narrative, one that reminds people that greatness isn’t confined to blue bloods or national broadcasts. Sometimes, it’s found in the overlooked gym, in the overlooked player, rewriting the script in real time.

As Ace prepares for his freshman season, expectations are quietly growing. Scouts are beginning to take notice, and whispers about his pro potential are starting to surface. But true to form, Ace isn’t getting caught up in the noise. He’s still the same kid who used to shovel snow off the driveway just to get shots up, who stayed after practice to work on his footwork, who studied opponents like a chess player studies his board. His edge doesn’t come from accolades. It comes from within.

And while Cooper may grab headlines at Duke and beyond, Ace is on a journey just as meaningful. In fact, his story might resonate even more deeply with those who’ve had to fight for every inch, who’ve walked the quieter road, who’ve been told they weren’t the chosen one. Because Ace Flagg’s rise isn’t about spectacle—it’s about substance. It’s about finding your voice even when others are louder. It’s about showing that greatness has many faces, and sometimes, it wears the number that doesn’t get the spotlight.

In the end, the Flagg twins’ story isn’t about rivalry—it’s about dual ascent. Each carving a path that reflects who they are. Cooper, the national sensation with a game tailor-made for prime time. Ace, the steady climber, turning heads in subtler ways, proving that stars don’t always explode into view—sometimes they rise steadily, purposefully, until you can’t ignore their light.

For Maine, for the basketball world, and for those who’ve ever been counted out, Ace Flagg is more than just the “other” Flagg. He’s a name to remember, a player to watch, and a reminder that greatness comes in more than one form.