Terps in the Pros: Derik Queen Headlines a Strong Week for Maryland Alumni in the NBA and G League
As the NBA season rolls into Week 17, a group of former Maryland Terrapins is making noise across the league-and beyond. From established contributors to rising rookies and G League standouts, Maryland’s basketball pipeline is showing out in a big way. Let’s break down how each of these Terps is making their mark.
Derik Queen (New Orleans Pelicans)
Derik Queen is quickly becoming one of the most reliable rookies in the league, and he’s not just holding his own-he’s leading the pack. Queen continues to average 12.3 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game, but it’s the how that’s turning heads.
He currently leads all rookies in shooting percentage at 49% and double-doubles with 10. And if that’s not enough, he’s still the only rookie this season to notch a triple-double. That’s elite company for a first-year player.
Queen’s versatility was on full display in a Feb. 2 matchup against the Hornets, where he logged 31 minutes and filled the stat sheet: 16 points, eight boards, three assists, three steals, and a block. That kind of all-around production is rare for a rookie big man, and it’s why he’s earned a spot in the 2026 Castrol Rising Stars event during All-Star Weekend.
Kevin Huerter (Detroit Pistons)
Kevin Huerter is on the move again, this time landing in Detroit as part of a three-team trade involving the Bulls and Timberwolves. The veteran wing brings his steady game to a young Pistons squad, averaging 10.6 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 2.6 assists on the season.
In his Pistons debut on Feb. 6, Huerter made a solid first impression, shooting 4-of-6 from the field while adding a block, a steal, and an assist. He’s the kind of floor-spacer and secondary playmaker who can help stabilize Detroit’s young core.
Jalen Smith (Chicago Bulls)
Jalen Smith has carved out a valuable role off the bench for the Bulls, and he’s been on a roll lately. He’s averaging 10.2 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 1.3 assists, but his recent stretch has been even more impressive.
Over his last 12 games, Smith is putting up 13.3 points and 8.4 rebounds per night-numbers that speak to his growing confidence and impact. Against the Raptors on Feb. 5, he came just one board shy of a double-double, finishing with 13 points, nine rebounds, an assist, and a steal.
Smith’s ability to bring energy, rebounding, and efficient scoring off the bench is becoming a real asset for a Bulls team trying to stay competitive in the East.
Aaron Wiggins (Oklahoma City Thunder)
Aaron Wiggins continues to be a steady contributor for a Thunder team that’s loaded with young talent. He’s averaging 10.9 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game, and he’s doing it with efficiency and poise.
Wiggins had one of his best games of the season on Feb. 4 in a tight contest against the Spurs. He poured in 20 points while adding six assists, five steals, and four rebounds. That’s the kind of two-way performance that coaches love-smart, disruptive defense paired with a confident offensive game.
He’s not just filling a role in OKC-he’s thriving in it.
Jahmir Young (Miami Heat / Sioux Falls Skyforce)
Jahmir Young is proving he’s more than just a G League standout-he’s on the cusp of becoming a full-time NBA contributor.
Named the G League’s Player of the Month for January, Young is averaging 26.6 points and 9.8 assists, both ranking third in the league. That kind of production doesn’t go unnoticed, and sure enough, he got the call-up for Miami’s games against the Bulls and Hawks earlier this month.
In limited NBA minutes (11 total across two games), Young added five points, a rebound, and two assists. But his biggest stage may still be ahead-he’ll compete in both the NBA G League 3-Point Contest and the Next Up Game during All-Star Weekend.
The DMV native is making the most of every opportunity, and the Heat are keeping a close eye on his development.
Julian Reese (Raptors 905)
Julian Reese is starting to find his footing in the G League, and his recent performances show a player who’s hitting his stride.
He’s averaging 7.5 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 1.2 assists on the season, but it was his Feb. 8 outing that really stood out. Reese dropped career highs with 20 points and 17 rebounds, dominating the paint and helping Raptors 905 improve to 10-1 at home.
Just a few days earlier, he flirted with a double-double against the Grand Rapids Gold, posting 10 points, nine boards, an assist, and a steal.
Reese is showing the kind of growth you want to see from a young big-strong rebounding, improved scoring touch, and a willingness to do the dirty work inside.
Final Thoughts
From Queen’s rookie brilliance to Young’s G League dominance and Reese’s breakout performance, Maryland basketball alums are making waves at every level of the pro game. Whether it’s the NBA hardwood or the G League grind, these former Terps are proving they belong-and in some cases, they’re just getting started.