NBA Stars Cooper Flagg and Donovan Clingan Bond Over Their Moms

There was something different about the recent NBA game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Portland Trail Blazers. Sure, the Mavericks lost 125-122, but the real story unfolded after the final buzzer.

Two young NBA stars, Cooper Flagg and Donovan Clingan, shared a moment that went beyond basketball. Their connection runs deep, rooted in their mothers’ friendship and a shared love for the game.

It’s not every day you see families tied together like this in pro sports. But here, the bond between the Flagg and Clingan families reminds us how sports can weave people together across generations.

Multigenerational Connection: Basketball Runs in the Family

Cooper Flagg and Donovan Clingan didn’t just become friends because of the NBA. Their mothers—Stacey Porinni Clingan and Kelly Bowman Flagg—started it all years ago.

Both Stacey and Kelly played basketball at the University of Maine. Their friendship set the stage for their sons to follow in their footsteps.

Stacey Porinni Clingan: A Legacy at Maine

Stacey Porinni Clingan dominated at Maine, starting 117 games and leading the Black Bears to three NCAA Tournament appearances. She averaged 12.3 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks per game—hard to ignore those numbers.

Her leadership and skill became the benchmark for future players. Donovan grew up with some big shoes to fill, no doubt about it.

Kelly Bowman Flagg: Following in Big Footsteps

Kelly Bowman Flagg, two years younger than Stacey, made her own mark at Maine. As a freshman, she watched Stacey own the court, learning from the best.

By 1999, Kelly had become co-captain and helped Maine notch their first NCAA Tournament win. That kind of shared history forged a strong bond between the two families.

From College Teammates to NBA Stars

The Clingan-Flagg connection didn’t stop after college. Their sons have both made waves in the NBA.

Donovan Clingan faced heartbreak when he lost his mother to breast cancer in 2018. Kelly, Cooper’s mom, attended Stacey’s funeral, and that moment seemed to bring the families even closer.

Donovan Clingan’s Journey

Donovan played for UConn, helping the Huskies win two NCAA titles. He tried to recruit Cooper Flagg to UConn, but Flagg chose Duke instead.

The Portland Trail Blazers picked Donovan seventh overall in 2024. At just 21, he’s already notched several double-doubles and looks like he’s just getting started.

Cooper Flagg’s Rise to Stardom

Cooper Flagg became the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, going to the Dallas Mavericks. Even with the team’s ups and downs, Flagg has led all rookies in scoring and ranks near the top in rebounds and assists.

He wears No. 32—a nod to his mom’s high school number and Stacey’s college number. It’s a small but meaningful tribute to his family’s basketball roots.

A Special Moment on the Court

After the Mavericks and Blazers wrapped up, Flagg and Clingan swapped jerseys and posed for a photo. The gesture said it all—friendship, respect, and a shared journey.

Clingan summed it up: It’s a small world. 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.

Looking Ahead

Both players keep pushing forward in their NBA careers. Their unique bond feels like it’ll always be a source of inspiration and strength.

The legacy of their mothers lives on in what they achieve. That shared history? It adds a certain depth to their journeys, no doubt about it.