While attending the Ryder Cup, former Duke Blue Devil Cooper Flagg had the opportunity to meet Michael Jordan, who famously played for the UNC basketball program.
Below, you can see a picture that the Dallas Mavericks shared of this interaction between Flagg, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, and Jordan, the six-time NBA champion.
Cooper Flagg meeting Michael Jordan 🔥
— MFFL NATION (@NationMffl) September 27, 2025
(via @dallasmavs) pic.twitter.com/ZocLnZfjTV
Now, you may be wondering why this is a big deal. Of course, most Tar Heel fans grew some animosity toward Flagg and his family during his lone season at Duke, especially after his mother, Kelly, made some harsh comments about North Carolina's fan base.
The past is in the past, as Cooper Flagg's parents have redeemed themselves a bit by teaching their son the right way to portray NBA history.
While speaking at the Mavericks' media day, Flagg was asked about meeting Jordan. Flagg's response will have all Tar Heel fans thrilled, and maybe some will just give his parents some kudos on a job well done.
Major props to @CooperFlagg's parents for raising their kids to appreciate TRUE @NBA greats like Larry Bird and Michael Jordan.
— AirJordans23 (@AirJordans2323) October 2, 2025
This is how you raise kids to become successful in life.
Excellence and winning should be valued, not losing and statpadding.pic.twitter.com/nRkmJoB79V
Flagg stated that meeting Jordan was a "dream come true," adding that he views the former Tar Heel as the player he considers to be the "G.O.A.T."
That alone makes him a little more likeable in my humble opinion!
Sure, Flagg will always be on the wrong side of the rivalry, but now that he's departed Durham and is making comments like the one above, maybe it's time to cut the kid (and his family) some slack.
Kelly and Ralph Flagg, if you're reading this, kudos to you for educating your son properly. While we don't agree on everything, we certainly can agree on this!