Derik Queen Bio
Derik Emanuel Queen is an American professional basketball player for the New Orleans Pelicans of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He played college basketball for the Maryland Terrapins. A consensus five-star recruit and one of the top players in the 2024 class, he was drafted 13th overall by the Atlanta Hawks in the 2025 NBA draft but was traded to the Pelicans on draft day.
Early Life and Background
Derik Emanuel Queen was born on December 27, 2004, in Baltimore, Maryland. He grew up in a city known for its rich basketball culture, which greatly influenced his early passion for the sport. Queen attended St. Frances Academy in Baltimore, where he began to showcase his talent on the court. His early exposure to competitive basketball laid the foundation for his future success.
Path to Basketball
During his freshman year at St. Frances Academy, Queen made a significant impact by scoring a season-high 56 points in a game against Annapolis Area Christian School. He averaged 14 points, eight rebounds, four assists, and two blocks per game, leading his team to a 15–1 record and an appearance in the Baltimore Catholic League title game. Following this successful season, he transferred to Montverde Academy in Montverde, Florida, where he continued to develop his skills and gain national recognition.
Derik Queen Career
Early Career (2021–2024)
Queen’s high school career at Montverde Academy was marked by impressive performances, including a double-double against Oak Hill Academy and a standout game where he scored 34 points against Sunrise Christian Academy. His junior year saw him average 11.8 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game, earning him a MaxPreps Junior All-American honorable mention. His consistent performance caught the attention of college scouts, leading to his recruitment by several top programs.
Breakthrough (2024–2025)
In February 2024, Queen verbally committed to play college basketball for the University of Maryland, a program that had shown interest in him since his freshman year. He enrolled at Maryland in 2024 and quickly made a name for himself. During his freshman season, he was named a first-team All-Big Ten selection and won the Big Ten Freshman of the Year award. Queen’s standout performance in the Big Ten Tournament, where he scored 31 points against the Michigan Wolverines, further solidified his reputation as a rising star.
Notable Works and Milestones
Queen’s signature moments include scoring a buzzer-beater in the NCAA tournament, lifting Maryland to a narrow victory over Colorado State. His impressive college career culminated in his selection as the 13th overall pick in the 2025 NBA draft by the Atlanta Hawks, followed by a trade to the New Orleans Pelicans.
Derik Queen Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Derik Queen has received several nominations and accolades, including being named to the first-team All-Big Ten and the Big Ten All-Freshman Team in 2025.
Derik Queen Awards Won
Derik Queen has achieved notable awards during his basketball career, including the Big Ten Freshman of the Year and the McDonald’s All-American Game Co-MVP in 2024.
| Award | Wins | Year |
|---|---|---|
| First-team All-Big Ten | 1 | 2025 |
| Big Ten Freshman of the Year | 1 | 2025 |
| Big Ten All-Freshman Team | 1 | 2025 |
| McDonald’s All-American Game Co-MVP | 1 | 2024 |
| Jordan Brand Classic | 1 | 2024 |
Derik Queen Family
Information regarding Derik Queen’s family background is not publicly available.
Personal Life
Details about Derik Queen’s personal life, including relationships or children, are not disclosed publicly.
