"Makes her wanna cry a little bit": Cooper Flagg shares mom Kelly's special bond with former high school teammate Derik QueenÂ
Duke Blue Devils forward Cooper Flagg is showcasing his skillset at this week's NBA draft combine. On April 21, the one-and-done star, who is the consensus No. 1 pick, declared for this year's draft.
During a media availability at the combine on Wednesday, Flagg was asked about his time with a former high school teammate, Maryland Terrapins standout Derik Queen. The Newport, Maine, native shared that his mother, Kelly, and Queen have a special bond that runs deep with the Flagg family.
"I mean, Derik is an incredible human being as well," Flagg said. "I mean, he's one of the funniest guys I know. Loved being around him every day as a teammate. He was selfless, he was for the team just like the rest of those guys. So, it was great to be with him for two years.
"I mean, it's funny, yesterday, when I was talking to my mom and she said every time she sees Derik and he gives her a big hug, it makes her want to cry a little bit 'cause of how she missed him this year. So, it's pretty interesting how connected he was with my mom and my family."
Flagg and Queen were teammates for two seasons (2022-23 and 2023-24) at national powerhouse Montverde Academy in Florida. The two then became one-and-done sensations in college who are now projected first-round picks.
Derik Queen is projected to be No. 11 pick in 2025 NBA draft, 10 slots after Cooper Flagg
While Cooper Flagg is expected to be taken No. 1 by the Dallas Mavericks, Derik Queen is not far behind, according to ESPN, which predicted he'll go the Portland Trail Blazers at No. 11 in a mock draft.
If that happens, Queen would join a Portland squad that is coached by NBA legend Chancey Billups. The team's roster boasts several enticing young players such as Donovan Clingan, Shaedon Sharpe and Anfernee Simons.