Derik Queen: Ascending Star
An in-depth profile of the promising young center, from his high school dominance and college accolades to his NBA draft journey and professional career milestones.
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Player Biography
Introduction
Derik Emanuel Queen, born December 27, 2004, is an American professional basketball player currently competing in the National Basketball Association (NBA) for the New Orleans Pelicans. Standing at 6 feet 10 inches (2.08 meters) and weighing 250 pounds (113 kilograms), Queen primarily plays the center position. His journey from a highly-touted high school prospect to a key player in the professional league is marked by significant achievements and potential.
Early Recognition
Queen emerged as a standout talent early in his career. As a freshman at Saint Frances Academy, he achieved remarkable scoring feats, including a 56-point performance. His exceptional play earned him the MaxPreps National Freshman of the Year award. This early success signaled his potential as one of the top prospects in his graduating class.
Collegiate Acclaim
Queen committed to the University of Maryland, where he quickly made an impact. During his freshman season (2024-2025), he was recognized as the Big Ten Freshman of the Year and earned a spot on the All-Big Ten First Team. His clutch performance in the NCAA tournament, including a game-winning shot, further highlighted his capabilities under pressure.
Academic and Athletic Journey
High School Career
Queen's high school career began at Saint Frances Academy in Baltimore, Maryland. During his freshman year (2020-2021), he averaged 14 points, eight rebounds, four assists, and two blocks per game, leading his team to a 15-1 record and the Baltimore Catholic League title game. He was subsequently named MaxPreps National Freshman of the Year.[2]
He later transferred to Montverde Academy in Montverde, Florida. As a sophomore, he contributed to the team's GEICO Nationals championship victory. During his junior year (2022-2023), Queen averaged 11.8 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 2.2 assists, earning MaxPreps Junior All-American honorable mention status.[12] He also played for Team Thill, leading them to an Under Armour Association (UAA) 17U spring championship in 2023.
Recruiting Profile
Queen was consistently ranked as a consensus five-star recruit and among the top players in the 2024 class by major recruiting services. His final list of collegiate options included Maryland, Indiana, Kansas, and Houston. He ultimately committed to the University of Maryland on February 21, 2024, a program that had shown interest since before his freshman year.[1][14]
Recruiting Insights
Recruitment Rankings
Derik Queen's exceptional talent placed him among the elite prospects in his cohort. Recruiting services provided high marks for his potential:
| Name | Hometown | School | Height | Weight | Commit date | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Derik Queen C |
Baltimore, MD | Montverde Academy (FL) | 6 ft 10 in (2.08 m) | 240 lb (110 kg) | Feb 21, 2024 | |
Recruit ratings:
Rivals: 
247Sports:
On3: 
ESPN: (93)
| ||||||
| Overall recruit ranking: Rivals: 18 247Sports: 12 On3: 26 ESPN: 8 | ||||||
| ||||||
College Career Highlights
Freshman Season Impact
Upon enrolling at the University of Maryland in 2024, Queen immediately established himself as a pivotal player. His performance during the 2024-2025 season garnered significant recognition, including the prestigious Big Ten Freshman of the Year award and a selection to the All-Big Ten First Team. These accolades underscore his immediate impact and high level of play.
Tournament Heroics
Queen demonstrated his clutch ability during the 2025 NCAA tournament. In a second-round matchup against Colorado State, he sank a fadeaway jump shot as time expired, securing a dramatic 72-71 victory for Maryland. This marked his first game-winning shot at any level of competition, etching his name in the tournament's memorable moments.[18] Earlier in the Big Ten Tournament, he scored 31 points against eventual champions Michigan in the semifinals, setting a new record for points scored by a Maryland freshman in the tournament and earning him an All-Tournament Team selection.[17]
Professional Transition
NBA Draft and Trade
Derik Queen's professional career commenced with the 2025 NBA draft, where he was selected 13th overall by the Atlanta Hawks. In a swift move on draft day, his rights were traded to the New Orleans Pelicans in exchange for Asa Newell and a future first-round draft pick.[19] He officially signed his rookie contract with the Pelicans on July 5, 2025.[20]
Injury Setback
During an NBA Summer League game on July 15, 2025, Queen suffered a significant injury, tearing a scapholunate ligament in his left wrist. Following surgery on July 18, he is projected to miss approximately three months of action, presenting an early challenge in his professional debut.[21]
Career Statistics
College Performance
Queen's collegiate statistics demonstrate his all-around impact on the court.
| Year | Team | GP | GS | MPG | FG% | 3P% | FT% | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | PPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024โ25 | Maryland | 36 | 36 | 30.4 | .526 | .200 | .766 | 9.0 | 1.9 | 1.1 | 1.1 | 16.5 |
Statistical Legend
Understanding basketball statistics requires familiarity with common abbreviations and metrics.
| GP | Games played | GS | Games started | MPG | Minutes per game |
| FG% | Field goal percentage | 3P% | 3-point field goal percentage | FT% | Free throw percentage |
| RPG | Rebounds per game | APG | Assists per game | SPG | Steals per game |
| BPG | Blocks per game | PPG | Points per game | Bold | Career high |
Accolades and Honors
Collegiate Honors
- First-team All-Big Ten (2025)
- Big Ten Freshman of the Year (2025)
- Big Ten All-Freshman Team (2025)
- All-Tournament Team, Big Ten Tournament (2025)
High School & AAU Recognition
- MaxPreps National Freshman of the Year (2021)
- MaxPreps Junior All-American honorable mention (2023)
- UAA 17U Spring Championship (with Team Thill) (2023)
All-American Games
- McDonald's All-American Game Co-MVP (2024)
- Jordan Brand Classic (2024)
Team & League Affiliations
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References
References
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Disclaimer
Important Notice
This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.
This is not professional sports or career advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional consultation regarding athletic performance, career management, or financial planning. Always refer to official team and league resources, and consult with qualified professionals for specific needs.
The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.