In a season filled with accolades, Maryland men’s basketball freshman Derik Queen drew another on Friday after being named to the Naismith Men’s College Midseason Team on Friday.
Queen is one of seven Big Ten players nominated to the list, but he becomes the first Terp recognized by the Naismith Midseason List since Jalen Smith in 2020.
While all five starters have averaged double figures for virtually the entire 2024-25 season, it’s been Derik Queen leading the pack, averaging a team-high 15.9 points. His nine 20-point games now sit one away from tying Melo Trimble for the program record for most in a freshman season, while his five games totaling 20+ points and 10+ rebounds mark the most of any freshman across the country.
Roughly an hour after the announcement, BTN analyst Andy Katz pointed to Queen as the frontrunner for Big Ten Freshman of the Year.
“Derik Queen has emerged as, in a loaded freshmen field, as the Big Ten Freshman of the Year. I know we’ve got time left, but think about this – his numbers have been monopoly-like as of late, they’re winning, still a chance at a double bye,” Katz said. “Compared that to Kasparas Jakučionis, who was hurt for a stretch during the season…John Mobley, who’s had a really good year. He’s just a hair below.”
Rutgers’ freshmen duo, Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey, remain the two working to dethrone Queen but Katz made his case for Maryland’s big man.
“This is not a mock draft, okay? Clearly they are the two most talented freshmen. They’re going to be top three in the NBA Draft. But that’s not what this award is about. Big Ten Freshman of the Year should be about how much you contributed to your team, winning, how consistent you were, how dominant you were at your position and that’s why I think it’s Derik Queen.”
Maryland returns to action against Iowa on Sunday, Feb. 16 for a 5 PM tipoff.
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