Maryland stoked for 'generational talent' Derik Queen's debut vs. Manhattan

Field Level Media|published: Wed 30th October, 09:43 2024

Apr 2, 2024; Houston, TX, USA; McDonald's All American East center Derik Queen (25) drives past McDonald's All American West center Flory Bidunga (40) during the first half at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images

Maryland landed just two five-star recruits in its history before Derik Queen committed to the Terrapins.

The touted center makes his Maryland debut Monday when the Terrapins host Manhattan in College Park, Md., the regular-season opener for both teams.

Queen, a Baltimore native, returned home after spending three years at the elite Montverde Academy in Florida. He was a McDonald's All-American last season after averaging a team-best 16.4 points and 7.5 rebounds per game, helping Montverde finish 33-0.

At 6-foot-10, 246 pounds, Queen is known for his post prowess. Scouts have commended his hands -- the big man is skilled at catching tough passes on offense and stripping ball-handlers on defense.

Even though Queen has yet to play a game at Maryland, Terrapins coach Kevin Willard suggested the freshman may not be long for College Park.

"If I was an NBA GM, I would draft him in a heartbeat ... he's probably a once-in-a-lifetime, generational talent," Willard said. "He has an unbelievable feel for the game of basketball. He plays it at a speed that you want your point guard to play. He just sees everything. He doesn't get rushed up. He plays at his own pace."

Queen joins forces with fellow big man Julian Reese, who finished third in the Big Ten with 9.5 rebounds and fifth with 1.9 blocks per game last season.

Maryland struggled to a 16-17 record last year, including a 7-13 mark in conference play.

Manhattan is coming off a 7-23 finish last season and was projected in the coaches' poll to place 10th in the 13-team Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference.

The Jaspers return two of their top guards in Shaquil Bender and Jaden Winston. Bender averaged a team-best 13.8 points per game last season, while Winston added 9.3 points and led the Jaspers with five assists per contest.

Winston said he feels responsible to lead Manhattan to more wins in his sophomore season.

"I get out there on the defensive end (and) basically do whatever my coach needs me to do," Winston said. "Little things -- getting downhill, playing fast, of course setting my teammates up."

Second-year coach John Gallagher hopes to guide the Jaspers to their first winning season since 2014-15, when they reached the NCAA Tournament.

--Field Level Media

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