Maryland basketball’s Derik Queen declares for NBA Draft after standout freshman season
Derik Queen, the 6-foot-10 center from Maryland, has decided to declare for the 2025 NBA Draft after an impressive freshman season. Queen, who earned Big Ten Freshman of the Year honors, is considered a potential lottery pick. His departure marks another hit for Maryland’s basketball program as several key players have left recently.
Queen played a crucial role in Maryland’s journey to the Sweet 16, hitting a game-winning jumper in the NCAA Tournament. He averaged 16.5 points and 9.0 rebounds per game, finishing the season with 15 double-doubles. Queen is ranked at No. 19 in the CBS Sports NBA Draft Prospect Rankings and has been projected to go in the back end of the lottery in recent mock drafts.
With Queen leaving, along with other key players from Maryland’s lineup, the team will need to find ways to rebuild for the upcoming season. The departure of the “Crab Five” will present a challenge for the next coach and the athletic program as a whole. Queen’s legacy at Maryland will be remembered as one of the best in program history.
As Queen prepares for the next chapter in his career, fans will be watching closely to see where he lands in the NBA Draft and how he continues to develop as a player. His potential partnership with San Antonio Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama has already sparked interest among analysts, who see a promising future for the young center.
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