The Maryland Terrapins are off to a great start in the 2024-25 season, largely thanks to star freshman Derik Queen. The Terps have a well-rounded roster, but the main attraction for many fans as well as NBA scouts is the 6 foot 10, 240-pound freshman. Few players display Queen’s combination of physical dominance and nifty athleticism, making him a truly unique talent.
Derik Queen’s Numbers Speak For Themselves
Queen is leading Maryland in scoring at 16 points per game in addition to 8 rebounds. With his broad shoulders, surprisingly agile feet, and deep arsenal of post moves and counters, it’s easy to see why Queen scores at such an efficient clip inside the painted area. The freshman is also a forceful presence on the defensive end, averaging almost 2.4 stocks (steals and blocks) per game. These impressive numbers have led to Queen having 9.2 box plus minus, good for the ninth highest for any freshman in college basketball. Through 13 games, Queen actually led all freshman in box plus minus.
Queen’s athletic tools are aided by his high motor. He maintains a diet of easy post looks by running the floor and sealing defenders underneath the basket, allowing his physical abilities to take over.
The former Montverde Academy star and teammate of presumed #1 overall pick Cooper Flagg already has several vintage performances to his name, including a 20-20 outing in his college debut against Manhattan and standout showings versus tough non-conference opponents in Marquette and Villanova. Perhaps his best performance was against the Purdue Boilermakers, where he stuffed the stat sheet with 26 points, 12 rebounds, and even drained two three-pointers.
Another impressive performance from Maryland freshman Derik Queen in a narrow 76-75 win yesterday over Villanova. He displayed his advanced instincts, craft, and evolving mobility en route to 22 points, 11 rebounds, and 5 assists. pic.twitter.com/iT89cxhT59
— League Him (@League_Him) November 25, 2024
NBA Scouts Are Drawn to Derik Queen’s Unique Skills
A deeper dive into Queen’s game reveals what most excites NBA scouts. As the professional game continues to stretch beyond the arc, Queen has demonstrated multiple tools that will serve him very well in the Association. Despite not currently being a strong three-point shooter, Queen has a solid face up jumper. However, what truly separates Queen is his ball handling and passing skills, which many NBA executives covet.
Queen frequently touches the ball at the top of the key, showing the ability to run perimeter offense including delay action as well as spread pick and roll. Watching Queen’s high post and elbow touches reveals excellent floor vision. Averaging over 2 assists per game, his passing range is outstanding for a young big man, routinely making pinpoint skip passes or threading the needle to find cutters. Queen is showing the tools of a modern NBA big who can handle the ball, be an offensive hub, and impact the game from the outside.
Queen already has numerous highlights of dazzling assists:
Derik Queen’s tools and skills shine in this possession after getting a quality contest and stop in drop coverage.
Snags the rebound high with those excellent hands then quickly delivers a pinpoint lead outlet pass for an assist to Rice pic.twitter.com/gHSjgnnzMj
— Jam Hines (@jamontheboards) November 10, 2024
He’ll need to polish this aspect of his game throughout the year but Derik Queen have some good assist highlight pic.twitter.com/O8xEKF3HS8
— Poolibaly SZN 🧙♂️ (@AlgrenSymbiose) November 20, 2024
How Has Queen Been Performing Lately?
Entering conference play, Maryland has dropped two games to both Washington and Oregon. In Seattle, Queen was plagued by foul trouble and was unable to truly impact the game. In Eugene, he had a significantly better performance, tallying 17 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, 2 blocks, and 2 turnovers in 34 minutes played. A nationally-televised matchup against the UCLA Bruins awaits, and a big performance at home could do wonders for Queen’s draft stock.
Derik Queen’s undeniable skillset is sometimes dampened by poor shot selection, and there is no doubt that his large passing range sometimes includes head-scratching turnovers, but there is simply too much skill and athleticism for NBA teams to not see the potential for an excellent player. Far from a big name in mock drafts in October, Queen will enter 2025 with his name in the mid-to-late first round. Yet if his production continues, it would not be hard to imagine a lottery team unwilling to pass up on the chance to add Queen’s talent to their roster.
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