ORONO — Ace Flagg Returns Home
After spending a year at Greensboro Day School in North Carolina and two years prior at Montverde Academy in Florida, Ace Flagg is back in his hometown of Newport, just a short half-hour drive from the University of Maine. He finds strength in this familiar environment.
“This is our home, where we come from. Maine’s a very special place. It’s very tight-knit. There’s not many places like it, where you can move across the country and still have that support behind you,” Ace expressed on Saturday afternoon.
Throughout the day, Ace engaged with numerous children participating in the basketball camp named after him and his twin brother, Cooper, who was the top pick in the NBA draft last June after a season at Duke.
Nearby, the Pit—UMaine’s Memorial Gym—will soon see Ace represent the Black Bears men’s basketball team. His parents, Ralph and Kelly Flagg, who played for the Maine women’s basketball team, are excited about his choice to play in Maine.
“We’re thrilled to spend more time back in Maine and see our family and friends more often,” Kelly remarked. Throughout Ace’s recruitment, they allowed him to make his own decision without external pressure, trusting he would find the best fit for himself.
As Ace joins a revitalized Black Bears team that has shown strong improvement under coach Chris Markwood, he is seen as a vital component in the program’s growth. After a 20-win season and a first-round tournament win in more than two decades, expectations are high.
As the camp concluded, the Flagg brothers showcased their skills in 2-on-2 games with campers, delivering excitement and inspiration. Ace’s journey in Orono, set to commence with the home game against Quinnipiac on November 16, marks a new chapter where he can truly call Maine home.
