NEW YORK – On Wednesday night, the NBA draft transformed into a heartfelt tribute to mothers as the proud moms of the new draftees took the spotlight.
These remarkable women were seen exchanging warm hugs and shedding tears of joy as they witnessed their sons embark on their professional basketball careers.
One standout mother of the evening was Kelly Flagg, whose son, Cooper, was selected first overall by the Dallas Mavericks. Kelly, a former University of Maine basketball star in the late 1990s, was part of the school’s historic 1998-99 team that secured the program’s first NCAA Tournament victory with a memorable upset against Stanford.
Reflecting on her son’s success, Kelly beamed with pride as she expressed her hopes: “I simply wished for him to develop the same passion for the game that we’ve always cherished. Seeing that dream realized is beyond amazing.” As for their latest one-on-one matchup, she playfully teased, “It wasn’t a loss for him. Let’s say it was an extended timeout.”
Maria Harper, who received the first embrace from her son Dylan, selected at No. 2 by San Antonio, also graced the event. Dylan credited his early basketball coaching to his mom. Having been a Division I player at New Orleans between 1993 and 1996 and coaching him from a young age, Maria’s presence was deeply significant. “She’s my world. Whatever I achieve is for her, and being here means everything,” Dylan deeply expressed.
Echoing a sense of immense pride, Maria emphasized her son’s “unwavering love for the game, dedication, humility, and relentless hard work.”
Another emotional highlight came from Bendra Rolle, who celebrated through tears as her son, VJ Edgecombe, secured the No. 3 spot with Philadelphia. Their journey from the Bahamas to the heights of the NBA draft was a fulfillment of dreams, with Bendra declaring, “Bimini to the world!”
For Thomas Sorber’s family, the triumph held a different significance. The sight of him clutching a Liberian flag, alongside his mother Tenneh, was especially poignant. Drafted by Oklahoma City, this moment marked the culmination of an arduous journey from a war-torn Liberia in 1999 to the bright lights of the NBA. “This is all for you, Mama,” Thomas exclaimed, honoring his mother’s sacrifices. With deep emotion, Tenneh remarked, “As a mother, I’ve committed myself fully to his success.”
The draft was an emotional rollercoaster not only for the families of top lottery picks but for several others. A vivid display of joy was seen with Tina, the mother of Danny Wolf, as her son was chosen 27th by the Brooklyn Nets. Overcome by emotions, she celebrated exuberantly on ESPN.
While the night primarily belonged to the young basketball talents, for many, it was the stories and sacrifices of the mothers behind them that truly stole the show.