During a challenging three-game road trip over the Christmas period, Cooper Flagg of the Dallas Mavericks made a poignant connection with Donovan Clingan of the Portland Trail Blazers following their game on December 25, 2023. After the Mavericks’ tight loss to the Blazers, which ended 125-122, Flagg sought out Clingan for a heartfelt embrace, jersey exchange, and a memorable photo.
Deep Family Ties
The relationship between Flagg and Clingan extends beyond their current professional careers; it is rooted in a shared family history. Their mothers, Stacey Porinni Clingan and Kelly Bowman Flagg, were teammates at the University of Maine, where they both excelled in basketball. Clingan remarked, “We go back since we were kids. Our families know each other.”
Stacey Clingan was a standout player at Maine, starting 117 games and leading her team to three NCAA Tournament appearances. She averaged an impressive 12.3 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks per game during her freshman year. By the time she graduated in 1999, Kelly had become a co-captain on the only Maine women’s basketball team to win an NCAA Tournament game.
Tragedy struck when Clingan lost his mother to breast cancer in March 2018. Flagg’s mother attended the funeral, further solidifying their families’ connection. Clingan reflected on their bond, stating, “He’s just from a good family. He’s a great kid. That connection goes back pretty far.”
Rising Stars in the NBA
Both players have made significant strides in their basketball careers. Clingan, now a second-year center for the Blazers, was selected by Portland as the seventh overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. He recorded his tenth double-double of the season in the recent game, finishing with 18 points and 10 rebounds. The Blazers’ victory marked the Mavericks’ seventh consecutive road loss.
Flagg, who was the first overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, is quickly establishing himself as a standout rookie. He leads all rookies in scoring, ranks third in rebounding, and is fourth in assists. Wearing the number 32—a tribute to both his mother’s high school number and Clingan’s mother’s college number—Flagg is a bright spot in a season that has been challenging for Dallas.
While Clingan attempted to recruit Flagg to the University of Connecticut during his college decision process, Flagg ultimately chose Duke. Clingan hosted him during an official visit in September 2023, which helped them develop a closer friendship. “It was really the first time I got to know him pretty well,” Flagg commented. “Showed me a good time.”
After the game concluded, Clingan expressed the uniqueness of their connection. “It’s a small world,” he said. “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.”
As both athletes continue to thrive in their careers, the bond between them, forged through their families’ history, serves as a reminder of the deep connections that can exist in the world of sports.
