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NCAA Basketball Recruiting: Analyzing 6 contenders for 5-star center Derik Queen

By Tristan Freeman

Mar 18, 2023; Birmingham, AL, USA; Maryland Terrapins forward Julian Reese (10) is taken out of the game by Maryland Terrapins head coach Kevin Willard during the second half at Legacy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 18, 2023; Birmingham, AL, USA; Maryland Terrapins forward Julian Reese (10) is taken out of the game by Maryland Terrapins head coach Kevin Willard during the second half at Legacy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports /
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NCAA Basketball LSU Tigers head coach Matt McMahon talks with forward KJ Williams Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
NCAA Basketball LSU Tigers head coach Matt McMahon talks with forward KJ Williams Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports /

LSU Tigers

Not much went right in Coach Matt McMahon’s first season with the Tigers but big man KJ Williams did well, leading the team in both scoring and rebounding. Replacing him are a trio of transfers in Will Baker, Daimion Collins, and Hunter Dean, all of whom will be in their respective last years.

So playing time and role won’t be an issue for Queen but how good will the supporting cast be? LSU has plenty to prove after finishing last in the SEC standings last season and needs a bounce-back campaign in order to truly be viable for top prospects like this one.

Maryland Terrapins

Coach Cooley isn’t the only newcomer hoping to land DMV talent, as Kevin Willard has already landed a few local pieces of his own, including incoming freshmen, Jamie Kaiser and DeShawn Harris-Smith. They’re looking for their first class of 2024 commit and right now, they’re mainly focusing on locking down Queen.

Next. A look at early options for Cooper Flagg. dark

Maryland does have a quality starting center in Julian Reese, who’ll be playing at the five-spot next to forward Donta Scott. However, once Scott leaves, the team could move Reese to the four-spot and make way for Queen without any issue. The Terrapins are reportedly a favorite for the five-star big man and he’d easily be the highest-ranked prospect Coach Willard has gotten and the type of player to keep the program competitive in the Big Ten, even after losing both Scott and Jahmir Young after next season.

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