Former Maryland men’s basketball star Derik Queen made his professional debut with the New Orleans Pelicans in an NBA 2K26 Summer League game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. To open his NBA career,

The New Orleans Pelicans made headlines this 2025 NBA Draft when they drafted big man Derik Queen out of Maryland.

Jay Bilas believes the New Orleans Pelicans may not end up regretting drafting former Maryland Terrapins star Derik Queen and giving up a draft pick to land him.

When asked about the criticism the Pelicans are facing for trading up to select him, Derik Queen delivered a perfect response.

Maryland center Derik Queen is arguably the most skilled big man in the 2025 NBA Draft, making him an intriguing prospect to watch. Queen averaged 16.5 points,

“Derik Queen’s draft night schedule: 1. Get Drafted 2. Updated LinkedIn,” the team said, adding a crying-laughing emoji. The 6-foot-9 center averaged 16.5 points, 9 rebounds and 2.2 combined steals and blocks in his freshman season at Maryland. Queen said he spoke the Pelicans “the most” during his pre-draft process.

Derik Queen has been busy lately, especially after the New Orleans Pelicans selected him with the No. 13 overall pick in the NBA draft on Wednesday evening. But Queen also made sure to make time to update his LinkedIn profile and notify people that he's officially a member of the Pels.

Few NBA prospects have a wider projected draft range than former Maryland men’s basketball star and Baltimore native Derik Queen.

No matter which mock NBA draft you check, it's going to look like Maryland's Derik Queen will be chosen toward the end of the "lottery" portion. There are reasons for that --and plenty more why he soon may look like the biggest steal on the board.

How does Maryland freshman phenom Derik Queen fit next to Zion Williamson now that he's been drafted by the New Orleans Pelicans?

Former Maryland star Derik Queen has prepared himself for the NBA. The Baltimore native is ready to take advantage of his opportunity.