Derik Queen Maryland C: Rising Star in College Basketball’s Frontcourt
Derik Queen, the freshman center for the Maryland Terrapins, has made waves in college basketball this season with his impressive post moves and rebounding ability. The Baltimore native has recently declared for the 2025 NBA Draft after just one season with the Terps. ESPN’s draft rankings project him as the No. 10 prospect. Queen’s decision to leave Maryland comes after a standout freshman campaign where he showcased his footwork and touch around the rim that has NBA scouts taking notice.
Queen’s journey from Montverde Academy to College Park wasn’t just basketball-focused. The young center even found time to sign an NIL deal with Dairy Queen, a fitting partnership for a player with royal ambitions. Born December 27, 2004, the Maryland big man represents a dying breed of traditional centers who can dominate the paint while still possessing the mobility required in today’s faster-paced game. As we explore Queen’s potential at the next level, his combination of size, skill, and youth make him one of the more intriguing prospects in this upcoming draft class.
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Who Is Derik Queen
Derik Queen is a freshman center for the Maryland Terrapins men’s basketball team. Born on December 27, 2004, this Baltimore native has quickly established himself as a standout player in the Big Ten Conference.
Standing at 6-foot-10 and weighing 246 pounds, Queen brings formidable size to the court. He attended Montverde Academy before joining the Terrapins program.
Queen recently made headlines by declaring for the NBA Draft following an impressive freshman campaign. His decision comes after setting the Maryland freshman scoring record.
Queen’s Freshman Stats:
| Category | Average | Total |
|---|---|---|
| Points | 16.5 | 594 |
| Rebounds | 9.0 | – |
The young center has demonstrated remarkable consistency and productivity throughout his first collegiate season. He led the Terrapins in both scoring and rebounding categories.
Queen’s NBA draft stock continues to rise, with most mock drafts projecting him as a mid-to-late first-round selection. His combination of size, scoring touch, and rebounding prowess makes him an intriguing prospect.
Beyond the court, Queen has shown business savvy by signing an NIL deal with Dairy Queen – a fitting partnership given his surname.
Early Life and High School Career
Derik Queen was born on December 27, 2004, in East Baltimore. His local roots would later make his college choice particularly meaningful.
Queen developed into one of the most dominant high school basketball players in the country. Standing at 6’9″ to 6’10”, he displayed an impressive combination of size and skill that made him a standout prospect.
His high school career culminated in being named a McDonald’s All-American, one of basketball’s most prestigious honors for prep players. Queen didn’t just participate in the game – he dominated it, earning Co-MVP honors after scoring 23 points.
Queen was consistently rated as a five-star recruit by all major scouting services. His versatility as a big man who could score, rebound, and pass made him one of the most sought-after prospects in his class.
The talented center chose to stay close to home by committing to the Maryland Terrapins. This decision thrilled the local fanbase, as Queen represented the program’s most highly-touted freshman recruit in nearly three decades.
| High School Accolades | Rating |
|---|---|
| McDonald’s All-American | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| McDonald’s Game Co-MVP | 23 points |
| National Recruiting Rank | Top 10 |
| NBA Draft Potential | First Round Projection |
Queen’s combination of post skills, passing ability, and basketball IQ has many NBA scouts viewing him as a potential lottery pick when he decides to enter the draft.
College Recruitment
Derik Queen’s path to Maryland was marked by intense competition from top basketball programs nationwide. His decision to join the Terrapins represented a major recruiting win for the program and instantly elevated their standing in the competitive Big Ten conference.
Commitment to the Terrapins
Queen, a five-star center from Baltimore, became Maryland’s highest-rated recruit in years when he committed to the Terrapins. The 6’9″ big man chose Maryland over Kansas, Indiana and Houston in a recruitment battle that captivated college basketball fans.
His hometown connections played a significant role in his decision. Queen, who played his high school basketball at Montverde Academy in Florida, wanted to return closer to his Baltimore roots for his college career.
“I wanted to represent my state,” Queen said after announcing his commitment. “Coach Willard’s vision for how I’d fit into the offense really sealed it for me.”
Queen arrived on campus as the No. 11 overall prospect in his class, according to the 247Sports Composite rankings.
Impact on Maryland’s NCAA Prospects
Queen’s commitment immediately transformed Maryland’s ceiling as a program. The skilled big man brought a versatile offensive game that created mismatches across the court, helping the Terrapins navigate the challenging Big Ten schedule.
His presence in the frontcourt gave Maryland a legitimate post threat for the first time in several seasons. Queen’s freshman campaign showed flashes of brilliance that helped the Terrapins remain competitive in tournament conversations throughout the season.
Queen’s Freshman Impact:
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| PPG | 14.9 |
| RPG | 8.7 |
| APG | 2.3 |
| FG% | 53.2% |
Queen’s decision to enter the 2025 NBA Draft after just one season speaks to his rapid development at Maryland. NBA scouts view him as a potential lottery pick due to his unique combination of size, passing ability, and basketball IQ.
Derik Queen’s NCAA Career
Derik Queen’s journey at Maryland showcased his exceptional talent as a center who could dominate on both ends of the floor. His freshman campaign broke records and positioned him as a top NBA prospect.
Freshman Season Highlights
Derik Queen made an immediate impact at Maryland, setting the program’s freshman scoring record with 594 points. The 6’10” center from Baltimore averaged an impressive 16.5 points and 9.0 rebounds per game in his debut season.
Queen’s presence in the paint transformed Maryland’s offense and defense. His ability to score with his back to the basket while also stepping out to hit mid-range jumpers made him a matchup nightmare for opponents.
The coaches recognized Queen’s dominance by naming him to the first-team All-Big Ten, a rare honor for a freshman.
NBA Draft Outlook:
| Metric | Rating | NBA Comparison |
|---|---|---|
| Draft Position | Top 15 Prospect | – |
| Strengths | Post scoring, Rebounding | – |
| Areas to Improve | Perimeter defense | – |
Sophomore Year Development
Queen’s sophomore campaign showed significant growth in his game. Building on his freshman foundation, he expanded his shooting range and improved his passing vision from the post.
His defensive presence in year two became even more formidable. Queen consistently altered shots at the rim while showing improved ability to switch onto smaller players in pick-and-roll situations.
The coaching staff entrusted him with more leadership responsibilities. Queen embraced this role, becoming more vocal in huddles and mentoring younger frontcourt players.
His free throw percentage jumped from 68% to 76%, making him even more dangerous in late-game situations when teams might otherwise employ hack-a-Queen tactics.
NCAA Tournament Performances
Queen’s tournament resume features several standout moments that captured national attention. Most memorably, he hit a buzzer-beater that propelled Maryland to the Sweet 16 in dramatic fashion.
Throughout tournament play, Queen elevated his performance when the stakes were highest. He recorded double-doubles in critical games and showed poise beyond his years in pressure situations.
NBA scouts particularly noted his competitive fire during March Madness. Queen consistently outplayed higher-ranked opposition on the biggest stage, solidifying his draft stock.
His ability to play through contact and finish difficult shots proved especially valuable in the tournament setting, where officiating tends to allow more physical play.
Projection for the NBA Draft
Derik Queen’s NBA Draft stock continues to rise after his freshman season at Maryland. The talented center has positioned himself as a potential lottery pick with his combination of size, skill, and basketball IQ.
Scouting Report
Queen brings an impressive physical profile to the table at 6-foot-10 with solid mobility for a big man. His game blends traditional post moves with modern skills needed for today’s NBA.
What stands out most is Queen’s footwork in the paint, showing polish rare for players his age. He has soft hands and good touch around the rim, converting high-percentage shots effectively.
His passing ability is another major asset. Queen demonstrates excellent court vision for a center, finding cutters and shooters from the post with impressive accuracy.
Defensively, there’s room for growth. While he protects the rim adequately, his lateral quickness when defending pick-and-rolls needs development. His basketball IQ shows in his positioning, but he must improve his overall defensive impact.
Draft Stock
Queen currently sits as a projected top-10 pick. Various draft analysts have him slotted in different positions:
| Source | Projection |
|---|---|
| CBS Sports | No. 19 overall |
| ESPN | No. 10 prospect |
| Multiple Analysts | Lottery pick |
His decision to declare after just one season at Maryland speaks to the confidence both he and his advisors have in his draft position. Queen announced his decision on the Scott Van Pelt Show, making it official that he’ll leave the Terrapins program.
NBA teams are drawn to his combination of size, skill, and upside. His production as a freshman starter has solidified him as one of the top big men in this draft class.
Comparisons to NBA Professionals
Queen’s game evokes similarities to several established NBA big men. His footwork and post moves draw comparisons to Domantas Sabonis. Both operate as offensive hubs from the elbow and post.
His passing vision mirrors aspects of Nikola Jokić’s game, albeit at a much more developmental stage. Queen shows flashes of the court awareness that makes elite passing centers so valuable in today’s NBA.
Defensively, he could develop along the lines of Jonas Valančiūnas – solid in drop coverage but not necessarily a switchable defender.
The development path for Queen likely involves expanding his shooting range to become a true stretch-five threat. If he can add consistent outside shooting to his already polished interior game, his ceiling rises considerably in the modern NBA that values floor-spacing at all positions.
Off-Court Interests and Personal Life
Born on December 27, 2004, Derik Queen brings the same intensity to his personal pursuits as he does to the hardwood. The Maryland Terrapins standout hails from East Baltimore, giving him strong local ties to the university he now represents.
Queen’s journey to College Park came after developing his skills at Montverde Academy, one of the nation’s premier basketball preparatory programs. His decision to stay close to home rather than joining a blue-blood program speaks volumes about his character and connection to Maryland.
What separates Queen from many of his peers is his throwback approach both on and off the court. In an era of social media celebrities and brand-building, the 6-foot-10 big man maintains a relatively low-profile presence online.
His focus remains squarely on development and team success. NBA scouts have taken notice of this maturity, with Queen projected as a potential lottery selection in the 2025 NBA Draft.
Queen’s work ethic extends beyond basketball. He’s known for his academic discipline and quiet leadership among teammates, characteristics that have endeared him to the Terrapins faithful.
| NBA Draft Prospect Profile: Derik Queen | |
|---|---|
| Current Ranking (2025 Class) | Lottery Projection |
| Age on Draft Day | 20 |
| Key Strengths | Versatility, Basketball IQ, Passing |
| Development Areas | Perimeter shooting, Lateral quickness |
Fan Engagement
Derik Queen’s impact on Maryland basketball extends far beyond the court, as he’s built a strong connection with Terrapin fans. His game-winning shots and consistent performance have energized the fanbase, creating memorable moments that resonate throughout the community.
Community Involvement
Queen has quickly become a fan favorite in College Park, embracing his role as the face of Maryland basketball. After his buzzer-beater in the 2025 NCAA tournament, the freshman center was mobbed by teammates and received thunderous applause from Terps fans.
Coach Willard had a humorous reaction upon learning it was Queen’s first career buzzer-beater, showcasing the lighthearted relationship between coach and player that fans appreciate.
Queen’s performance has even attracted celebrity fans. ESPN’s Pat McAfee declared himself a Maryland Terrapin fan following Queen’s game-winner, stating that “the Maryland Terrapins have the entire sports world talking.”
Social Media Presence
Queen’s social media influence has grown significantly during his freshman season. Fans closely follow his journey as he prepares to enter the NBA Draft, with many subscribing to Maryland’s email newsletter for updates on his decision-making process.
Basketball analysts have noted an interesting statistical trend regarding Queen’s performance: Maryland has lost every game in which Queen made a three-point shot. This quirky stat has become a talking point among fans online.
Queen frequently interacts with supporters through social platforms, sharing behind-the-scenes content from practices and team activities. His authentic posts about campus life and basketball development have helped build a genuine connection with the Terrapin faithful.
Conclusion
Derik Queen’s decision to declare for the 2025 NBA Draft caps off a remarkable freshman season at Maryland. His game-winning shot that sent the Terrapins to the Sweet 16 will live forever in program lore.
Queen leaves College Park as part of a mass exodus following their NCAA Tournament run. Despite the drama surrounding former coach Kevin Willard’s departure, Queen’s stock remains high.
NBA scouts are particularly intrigued by his unique combination of size and skill. His guard-like handles in a center’s body make him a fascinating prospect.
| Queen’s Draft Profile | Details |
|---|---|
| Current Draft Projection | Mid-First Round (12-20) |
| Strengths | Post moves, ball handling, clutch play, footwork |
| Areas for Development | Perimeter shooting, defensive consistency |
| NBA Comparison | Al Jefferson with better passing |
Queen’s crafty finishes and spin moves suggest he could become an offensive focal point at the next level. His footwork is advanced for his age, giving him a solid foundation to build upon.
Maryland fans will certainly miss seeing #25 in red, but they’ll be tracking his professional journey with pride. Queen’s legacy as a program-changing recruit who delivered in the biggest moments is secure.
