In a season filled with accolades and shining moments, arguably none were bigger than Sunday after Maryland freshman Derik Queen put together a career day in front of nearly 50 scouts from 23 NBA teams.
His 29 points marked his eighth 20-point game of the season, in addition to the most by a Maryland freshman since Diamond Stone finished with 39 vs. Penn State on Dec. 30, 2015. His 15 rebounds also marked the most since he recorded 20 in his college debut vs. Manhattan, while it marked the ninth time this season that Queen posted at least ten rebounds in a game.
“I thought he just took advantage of the mismatch and played really well,” head coach Kevin Willard said postgame.
Sunday’s matchup was expected to feature a high-profile frontcourt matchup between Queen and Ace Bailey, though the Rutgers freshman battled through illness as he finished with just four points in 24 minutes. Dylan Harper, the third former five-star starring in the matchup, led Rutgers with 20 points after playing all but three minutes while holding him to 2-of-7 shooting from the field in the first half.
“We knew those two guys will come in and they will take most of the shots. And the main thing was don't let the other ones be affected but [at] the same time, I think we did a good job on that and came out with the win.”
Days removed from being named to the Kareem Abdul Jabbar Award midseason top ten, Sunday’s game was personal for Queen considering the competition.
“We [were] talking briefly, like, about this game. I told him I couldn't wait for the game. And we actually talked yesterday, two days ago, about it. And then I told him, like, I wanted this game,” Queen said when asked about Harper and Bailey.
“Those two [are] like my guys, but like, obviously we [are] all in the race of freshman of the year. On the court, like it's competitive. And I just wanted to set myself aside and just like let them know that I want the freshman year.”
More from Derik Queen, Selton Miguel, Rodney Rice on the win:
Queen on his career-high 29 points vs. Rutgers
“This game, I knew I had to be better. I felt like things was going my way, and my teammates just kept giving me the ball and trusting me to make plays. And then the last game, like, we slipped up, missed free throws. We basically gave the game away. So we knew we had to come back, and then just put our foots on their neck.”
Rice on his four-point play in the second half
“We just stayed with it. That's ultimately the main thing. Just staying together and making those plays in tough situations. We did a good job with that.”
Queen on how he stays humble with 23 NBA teams coming out to watch him
“I just got go out there and try to win as many games possible, play well and just keep winning games.”
Miguel on scoring 14 of his 17 points in the first half
“I was just open. I feel like when I make my first shot, I feel like I can make everything else I take. So coach Willard told me to keep showing the ball, don't hesitate. So that's what I did.”
Rice on hitting back-to-back threes to extend Maryland’s lead
“It was great. You mentioned those two. I wanted that one in the corner so bad, though, but yeah, we pulled it out. That gave us great cushion.”
Queen on his five assists, pride in his passing ability
“It was like, a lot, like, on the shot roll, they was focusing on me, and [Jordan Geronimo] was open or I came off a pick-and-roll, and then [Ja’Kobi] hit me and then I just try and make the right pass. So I just try and hit my open teammates.”
On the on-court chemistry through Big Ten play
Miguel: “I think it's just been an understanding of maybe I played college basketball, the only freshman is Derik so we know when somebody's hot who to give the ball to. And I think besides understanding when and what spot to give the ball to.”
Rice: “Playing with each other prior to this game, this season, like it all builds up, and you gain that understanding as time goes on. In practice as well, [you] get the repetition so you start to feel, you start to figure out when guys want the ball and how they want it.”
Queen on when he knew he hit a groove on Sunday
“I just had a lot of opportunities to make shots and then just a lot of opportunities to keep shooting. So I just kept sticking with it. And, I mean, I should have went to my jump shot probably a little more. I tried force going to the rim because the coaches wanted me to attack every time but I should have shot the jump shot a few times. But, I mean, I was open and then, by me passing the ball they’re going to stay or they’re going to stunt. So I was open, so I just kept shooting the ball.”
Miguel on his progression with the team
“Still getting used to it. Every game is different. It's been fun. We’re winning – that’s all that matters.”
Rice on what he’s seen from Miguel on his understanding of what Willard wants as a coach
“He’s gonna play his game. He gonna play his game. So we need that from too, to play his game. That helps us.”
Miguel on ten made threes vs. Rutgers
“I think we definitely feel comfortable at home. I feel like it's new to us going around and being different gyms, different rims. So, I think we like two or three against Ohio State. So whenever we hit a three at home, we can get going. [Willard] just told us keep shooting.”
Rice on Geronimo’s impact vs. Rutgers
“JG gives us energy. When he comes in, he brings us a defensive spark. Dunks, that gets the crowd going so we appreciate JG.”
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