Derik Queen, a talented 6’10" basketball prospect from Baltimore, Maryland, has quickly become one of the most exciting names in college basketball. As of December 2024, Queen is a freshman at the University of Maryland, where he is making waves as a key player for the Terrapins. Known for his versatility on the court, Queen has drawn attention from basketball analysts and scouts alike, and many believe he could be a top pick in future NBA drafts.
Born on December 27, 2004, Derik Queen’s journey to college basketball stardom began in high school, where he played at both Saint Frances Academy in Baltimore and Montverde Academy in Florida. His impressive performances at Montverde helped him become a consensus five-star recruit, placing him among the top basketball players in the 2024 recruiting class. Now, as a freshman at Maryland, he’s showing just how much potential he has, combining his scoring ability, rebounding skills, and basketball IQ to become one of the most promising players in college basketball.
Summary of Derik Queen
| Key Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Derik Queen |
| Born | December 27, 2004, Baltimore, Maryland |
| Height | 6’10" (2.08 meters) |
| Weight | 246 lbs |
| High School | Saint Frances Academy, Montverde Academy |
| College | University of Maryland |
| Position | Center |
| Jersey Number | 25 |
| NIL Deal | Yes, engaged in multiple endorsements |
| NBA Draft | Projected 2025 first-round pick |
Key Takeaways
- Derik Queen is a 6’10" center for the Maryland Terrapins, known for his all-around skills and high basketball IQ.
- He is a consensus five-star recruit and one of the top prospects in the 2024 NBA Draft class.
- Queen played at both Saint Frances Academy and Montverde Academy in high school, where he garnered national attention for his performances.
- His skills include scoring from multiple areas of the court, rebounding, and playmaking, although his defense is a work in progress.
- Queen is also involved in Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals, showing his marketability off the court.
Derik Queen’s Early Life and High School Career
Born in Baltimore, Maryland, on December 27, 2004, Derik Queen showed his passion for basketball from a young age. He first attended Saint Frances Academy, where his skill set quickly caught the attention of scouts. His time at Saint Frances helped lay the foundation for what would become a stellar high school career. However, his move to Montverde Academy in Florida during his junior year marked the turning point in his development. Montverde is a renowned basketball powerhouse, and Queen thrived in this competitive environment, playing alongside other top recruits.
At Montverde, Queen played a crucial role in helping the team secure national victories, further cementing his place as one of the top high school basketball players in the nation. By the end of his senior year, Queen had become a consensus five-star recruit, with many analysts predicting a bright future in college basketball and beyond.
Queen’s Commitment to Maryland
In February 2024, after a highly publicized recruiting process, Derik Queen committed to play for the University of Maryland Terrapins. He chose Maryland over other top programs like Indiana, Kansas, and Houston. This decision was a major win for the Terrapins, who have long been a powerhouse in college basketball. Queen’s decision was influenced by his belief that Maryland would offer him the best opportunity to develop his game and prepare for the NBA.
Since joining Maryland, Queen has been recognized for his all-around game, showing off his ability to score in multiple ways and create plays for his teammates. His presence in the paint, combined with his offensive skill set, has made him a key player for the Terrapins.
Derik Queen’s Skills and Scouting Report
At 6’10", Derik Queen is an imposing figure on the court, and his physical attributes give him a significant advantage over most players in his position. His size, combined with his impressive wingspan, allows him to dominate both offensively and defensively. On offense, Queen is a versatile scorer, able to score from inside, hit mid-range shots, and even stretch the floor with his outside shooting. His basketball IQ is also a standout feature, as he can read defenses and make smart decisions on the fly.
While Queen’s offensive game is his biggest strength, there is still work to be done on the defensive end. His ability to protect the rim and defend against quicker players needs improvement, but his potential in this area remains high. As he continues to develop his game at Maryland, Queen is expected to become more well-rounded and a more dominant force on both ends of the floor.
Derik Queen’s NIL Deal and Marketability
As a high-profile recruit, Derik Queen has already begun to make his mark off the court. Like many college athletes today, Queen has taken advantage of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities. His growing profile has opened doors for sponsorships and brand deals, allowing him to monetize his fame while still in college. This shift in the college sports landscape has allowed athletes like Queen to benefit financially from their success, and it’s likely that his NIL deals will continue to grow as he makes a name for himself in the NCAA.
Derik Queen’s Stats and Performance at Maryland
As of the 2024 season, Derik Queen has been one of the most productive freshmen in college basketball. His stats speak for themselves: he’s averaging over 16 points per game, along with nearly 9 rebounds, while showing an ability to contribute in multiple areas of the game. His efficiency on both offense and defense has impressed analysts, and his consistent performances have helped Maryland establish itself as a contender in the Big Ten Conference.
While his defensive game still needs refinement, Queen’s offensive upside makes him a potential first-round pick in the 2025 NBA Draft if he continues his upward trajectory.
How Tall is Derik Queen?
Derik Queen stands at an impressive 6 feet 10 inches (2.08 meters) tall, which gives him a distinct advantage in both the college basketball and NBA landscapes. His height, combined with his athleticism and skill set, makes him a difficult matchup for most players.
Derik Queen’s Future in the NBA
Given his current skill set and the trajectory of his development, Derik Queen has a bright future ahead in the NBA. His ability to score from multiple areas of the court, combined with his size and athleticism, make him an attractive prospect for NBA teams looking for a versatile center. If he continues to improve his defense and refine his overall game, Queen could become one of the top players in the 2025 NBA Draft.
FAQ
When was Derik Queen born?
Derik Queen was born on December 27, 2004, in Baltimore, Maryland.
How tall is Derik Queen?
Derik Queen is 6 feet 10 inches (2.08 meters) tall, making him a formidable presence on the basketball court.
Which college does Derik Queen play for?
Derik Queen plays for the University of Maryland Terrapins in the Big Ten Conference.
What is Derik Queen known for?
Derik Queen is known for his versatility as a basketball player. He excels at scoring, rebounding, and playmaking, making him one of the top prospects in college basketball.
What are Derik Queen’s stats so far?
As of the 2024 season, Derik Queen is averaging over 16 points per game and nearly 9 rebounds, with impressive efficiency on both ends of the floor.
Has Derik Queen signed any NIL deals?
Yes, Derik Queen has engaged in Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals, capitalizing on his growing fame and marketability as a college athlete.
Where did Derik Queen attend high school?
Derik Queen attended Saint Frances Academy in Baltimore before transferring to Montverde Academy in Florida, where he became a highly-ranked prospect.