For the first time in six years, Maryland fans were able to watch one of their commits in action in the McDonald’s All-American and five-star pledge Derik Queen didn’t disappoint. The star Montverde center was named co-MVP alongside Rutgers commit Dylan Harper, finishing with 23 points (10-of-15), eight rebounds and three steals with a +/- of +14 in over 23 minutes and helped the East team mount a late comeback to defeat the West, 88-86. The big man got off to a blazing start with the game’s first two buckets, along with tallying a steal and rebound all within the first two minutes of the game, doing just about all of his work in the paint as he showcased his soft hands from start to finish. He drew an early and-one opportunity after reeling in his first of four offensive rebounds as he finished the night 3-of-5 from the line. Queen also showcased his vision in the open court and elite passing ability, whether in transition or out of the post, as he finished tied with a game-high five steals to give Kevin Willard hope for the future of the frontcourt. https://twitter.com/SCNext/status/1775331419021021690 His performance in Tuesday's all star game gave credence to the two-year pursuit by Kevin Willard to beat out Indiana, Kansas and Houston among others as he and David Cox closed out a recruitment that started with former assistant Tony Skinn. Maryland fans will get a chance to watch its star big man on TV again this week as Queen will rejoin his team for the Chipotle Nationals where they open as the top seed against AZ Compass Prep. With the quarterfinals set for Thursday, April 4 at 8 PM on ESPNU and the semifinals set for Friday at 4:30 PM on ESPN2, Queen will put the finishing touches on his high school career before putting pen to paper on his verbal commitment. Queen will be able to make that pledge official during the next signing day period beginning April 17 as he and Julian Reese are set to team up in College Park. “We did it in my freshman year so I think we can do it at a higher level this year,” Queen said after his commitment. “I think it’s really good we can both help each other.” That St. Frances to Maryland dream became a reality after Julian Reese finalized his decision to return for his senior season, giving Kevin Willard a marquee offseason win before Ja’Kobi Gillespie announced his decision roughly an hour later. Former Virginia Tech guard Rodney Rice became the first portal commitment of the offseason to restock the backcourt, but Wednesday’s performance marked the latest evidence of optimism that the Terps have their next star. Derik Queen is rated the second-highest pledge in program history behind Diamond Stone, a former five-star in the 2015 class. He’s rated the fifth-best center nationally, per On3. Related Links Maryland football spring ball buzz, rising interest from four-star targets (+)Jahmir Young named to Reese’s NABC Division I All-Star GameTransfer portal bug hits Brenda Frese, Maryland women’s basketballStock report: Maryland football 2025 recruiting heading into April (+)
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