Queen Declares For NBA Draft

Press release...

In an appearance with fellow Terp Scott Van Pelt on ESPN's SportsCenter, Maryland's Derik Queen announced on Friday night that he will declare for the 2025 NBA Draft. Queen led Maryland this season to its first NCAA Sweet Sixteen appearance in nearly a decade and was one of the top freshmen nationally.
 
The 2025 NBA Draft will be held on June 25-26 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY. Queen is considered a top 10 pick among many mock draft boards.
 
Queen is looking to become the first draft pick since Aaron Wiggins was picked in the second round by Oklahoma City. Jalen Smith was Maryland's most recent first round pick going No. 10 overall to Phoenix. The last Maryland freshman to declare for the NBA draft after just one year in College Park was Diamond Stone (2016, 2nd round).
 
During the 2024-25 campaign, Queen earned a multitude of honors highlighted by being named the Big Ten Freshman of the Year. He was also an NABC All-District First Team, All-Big Ten First Team and Big Ten All-Freshman selection. He was named to the Big Ten All-Tournament Game after helping the Terps reach the semifinals. 
 
Queen led Maryland averaging 16.5 points per game along with 9.0 rebounds. His 594 points set the Terps' freshman scoring record, while his 16.5 points per game were second overall. Queen produced 12 20-point scoring games and 15 double-doubles during the year. He gained national acclaim with his buzzer-beating, game-winner against Colorado State in the NCAA Tournament Second Round. His final game as a Terp was a 27-point effort against No. 1 seed Florida in the NCAA Sweet Sixteen. Queen's collegiate career began with a 22-point, 20-rebound double-double against Manhattan.