COLLEGE PARK, Md. — Derik Queen had been eagerly anticipating the opportunity to face off against fellow freshmen who have garnered significant attention for their performances this season. The Maryland forward delivered a stellar outing, scoring a personal-best 29 points along with 15 rebounds as the 18th-ranked Terrapins triumphed over Rutgers with a score of 90-81 on Sunday. With nearly 50 NBA scouts present, the 6-foot-10 Queen made a considerable impression, outshining his counterparts in this highly anticipated matchup.
While Dylan Harper managed to contribute 20 points for the Scarlet Knights, his teammate Ace Bailey struggled with illness and could only score four points. Queen seized the moment, feeling motivated to distinguish himself among the freshman talent. “Those two are my guys, and we’re all in the discussion for freshman of the year,” Queen commented. “I wanted to make my mark on the court and show them that I’m in contention for that honor.”
Both Harper and Bailey are projected early picks in the upcoming NBA draft, showcasing their skills throughout the season despite Rutgers’ struggles. In contrast, Queen’s exceptional performances have placed Maryland firm within the AP Top 25 rankings. Queen and Harper had previously shared the co-MVP title in last year’s McDonald’s All-America game.
“It’s always a great experience to go up against Derik. We’ve had these matchups since we were in middle school, so we know each other’s games well,” said Harper. “Facing him is challenging; he’s a significant presence on the court who knows how to position himself effectively.” In terms of physical matchup, Harper, at 6-foot-6, finds it difficult to contend against Queen, and the absence of a fully healthy Bailey became evident as he spent a considerable portion of the second half on the bench.
In the first half, Queen showcased his athleticism by blocking Bailey’s shot, allowing Maryland to gain momentum. His putback dunk in the second half extended the Terrapins’ lead to 69-62, further exemplifying his influence on the game. Maryland coach Kevin Willard praised Queen’s performance against comparable competition, noting, “He finally played against someone his own age. It’s been a tough few games for him against seasoned players, but he rose to the occasion.”
As the game concluded, Maryland fans began chanting “One more year!” acknowledging that Queen, like Harper and Bailey, is a viable NBA prospect. However, he maintains a focus on team success rather than individual accolades. “My goal right now is to win as many games as I can,” Queen stated. “I aim to keep performing well, but the priority is always on securing victories.”
