After turning in a historic freshman campaign, Maryland forward Derik Queen announced Friday on ESPN that he will enter the 2025 NBA draft.
Queen was the Big Ten Freshman of the Year after averaging 16.5 points, nine rebounds, 1.9 assists, 1.1 steals and 1.1 blocks in 36 games on 52.6% shooting from the field. He helped lead the Terrapins to their first Sweet 16 appearance since 2016.
The 6-foot-10 forward entered the season considered a potential late first-round pick. But after establishing himself as one of the top freshmen in the country, Queen is now projected to be the fourth pick in the latest mock draft from Bryan Kalbrosky of For the Win.
After recording perhaps the biggest moment of the NCAA men’s basketball tournament, as noted by my colleague Mike Sykes, Maryland freshman Derik Queen skyrocketed his draft status. He trailed only Flagg in Wins Above Replacement Player (WARP) among freshmen this season, per CBB Analytics. Queen was named Big Ten Freshman of the Year and consistently proved his versatility and skill as a big man.
Queen, also an AP All-American honorable mention, set the program freshman scoring record (594 points) after registering 12 20-point games and 15 double-doubles, which led all first-year players. He ranked sixth in scoring average among Power Four freshmen.
The 20-year-old is highly touted for his versatility on offense and ability to score in various ways. He is a tremendous competitor and showed throughout the year his ability to affect games on the defensive end at a high level, with his activity, instincts and size.
Queen led the Terrapins to their best season in nearly a decade and emerged as one of the top freshmen in the country in the process. He is now looking to become the first Maryland player to be drafted in the top five since Alex Len in 2013.
The 2025 NBA draft will occur June 25-26 in New York City.
This article originally appeared on Rookie Wire: NBA rumors: Derik Queen listed as top-5 pick in one mock draft
