Derik Queen, the promising center for the Maryland Terrapins, has officially announced his decision to declare for the 2025 NBA Draft. The 6-foot-10 freshman made headlines during the recent season, earning recognition as the Big Ten Freshman of the Year and significantly contributing to his team’s success.
The Transition at Maryland
Queen’s announcement marks another significant shift for the Terrapins, particularly after the departure of their head coach Kevin Willard, who accepted the head coaching position at Villanova. This transition has prompted multiple players, including notable guards Ja’Kobi Gillespie and Rodney Rice, to enter the transfer portal. Gillespie has since made a commitment to the University of Tennessee.
A Look Back at Queen’s Remarkable Season
During his freshman year, Queen played a crucial role in leading Maryland to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament for the first time in nearly a decade. His game-winning jumper against Colorado State was instrumental in advancing the Terrapins to the tournament’s second weekend, showcasing his clutch performance and potential. He concluded the season averaging 16.5 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game, boasting 15 double-doubles and ranking among the top players in the Big Ten.
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Draft Projections for Derik Queen
In the latest CBS Sports NBA Draft Prospect Rankings, Queen is positioned at No. 19, suggesting a potential move into the lottery picks. CBS Sports draft analyst Adam Finkelstein commented on Queen’s fit with the San Antonio Spurs, calling him a “super intriguing frontcourt partner” for the franchise’s star player, Victor Wembanyama. He noted, “Queen would be a super intriguing frontcourt partner for Wemby. He could lighten his load with some real playmaking ability up front, while Wemby’s rim protection prowess could cover up for his defensive limitations. If the shooting ever comes for Queen, it would be an ideal pair and while his numbers on the season aren’t inspiring, there’s actually been some real growth in technique and fluidity.”
Future Implications for Maryland Basketball
The departure of Queen, alongside the exit of the entire “Crab Five,” will leave the new head coach at Maryland with the challenge of rebuilding the roster through the transfer portal for the upcoming 2025-26 season. Moreover, the program is currently without an athletic director, following Damon Evans’ recent relocation to SMU. Despite these changes, Queen’s legacy at Maryland will endure as he is remembered as one of the program’s most notable and personable athletes.