Duke freshman sensation Cooper Flagg has taken the college basketball world by storm. As the No. 1 recruit in the country and a projected top pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, his every move is scrutinized, including his choice of jersey number.
Flagg made headlines when he had to give up No. 32, a number he had worn throughout his high school career, upon arriving at Duke. But why was that number so special to him, and what did he choose instead?
The Meaning Behind Cooper Flagg’s Connection to 32
For Flagg, jersey numbers have always held personal significance. His connection to No. 32 traces back to his mother, who wore the number in high school.
However, it became even more meaningful when he learned that his mother’s college teammate, Stacey Clingan, the mother of UConn star Donovan Clingan, had also worn No. 32. Stacey was a standout basketball player at the University of Maine before tragically passing away from breast cancer in 2018.
“My mom had worn [No. 32] in high school, and then her teammate in college, Donovan Clingan’s mom, had also worn it, and she had passed away,” Flagg said, reflecting on the number.
This emotional connection cemented No. 32 as Flagg’s number of choice. He wore it proudly throughout his dominant high school career, where he rose to become the No. 1 prospect in the Class of 2024, per 247Sports.
Despite his deep attachment to No. 32, Flagg was unable to continue wearing it at Duke. The reason? Christian Laettner.
Duke retired Laettner’s No. 32 jersey in 1992, honoring one of the most legendary players in NCAA history. Laettner, best remembered for his iconic buzzer-beater against Kentucky in the 1992 NCAA Tournament, was a two-time National Champion and one of college basketball’s all-time greats.
Because of Laettner’s legacy, no player at Duke can wear No. 32 again, leaving Flagg with a tough decision: What number should he choose next?
Rather than selecting a random number, Flagg found another meaningful connection. He chose No. 2 as a tribute to Donovan Kurt, a former player from Nokomis Regional High who was teammates with Flagg’s older brother, Hunter.
This decision showcases Flagg’s deep respect for his roots and the people who have influenced his journey. His choice of No. 2 at Duke represents a new chapter while still carrying the same level of sentimentality and respect that defined his attachment to No. 32.
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While Flagg can’t wear No. 32 on the court anymore, he’s found another way to keep it close, literally.
Flagg wears a No. 32 necklace, a subtle but powerful nod to his past. It serves as a constant reminder of his family, mentors, and journey that led him to this point. Though his Duke jersey may read No. 2, the spirit of No. 32 will always be part of who he is.
Flagg’s decision to wear No. 2 at Duke is more than just a number change—it’s a story of honoring the past while embracing the future. His connection to No. 32 remains strong, representing his mother’s legacy, Stacey Clingan’s memory, and the people who shaped his basketball journey.
As Flagg continues his rise in college basketball and prepares for the NBA, one thing is clear: Whether it’s 32 or 2, his impact will be just as powerful.
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