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Maryland's Derik Queen Declares for 2025 NBA Draft After Stellar Freshman Year

The star center, projected as a top-10 pick, announced his decision following Maryland's Sweet 16 run and a coaching change.

Mar 26, 2025; San Francisco, CA, USA; Maryland Terrapins center Derik Queen (25) shoots the basketball during NCAA Tournament West Regional Practice at Chase Center. Eakin Howard-Imagn Images/File Photo
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Maryland center Derik Queen (25) reacts during the second half in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA college basketball tournament game against Florida, Thursday, March 27, 2025, in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)

Overview

  • Derik Queen, Maryland's standout freshman center, officially declared for the 2025 NBA draft on 'SportsCenter' with Scott Van Pelt.
  • Queen is projected to be a top-10 pick after a record-breaking season, earning Big Ten Freshman of the Year and first-team all-Big Ten honors.
  • He led Maryland to its first Sweet 16 appearance since 2016, breaking the program's freshman scoring record with 594 points.
  • Queen expressed gratitude to his family, teammates, and former coach Kevin Willard, who recently departed for Villanova.
  • His decision comes as Maryland transitions to new head coach Buzz Williams, highlighting the challenges of replacing a one-and-done talent.