Former Terps are taking the NBA by storm, but are they living up to the hype? Week 12 of the NBA season has wrapped up, and University of Maryland alumni are making their mark across the league and its developmental circuits. Let's dive into the performances of these standout players, from rising stars to consistent contributors, and explore what makes their journeys so compelling.
Derik Queen (New Orleans Pelicans)
Imagine a rookie dominating the court with the poise of a veteran. Derik Queen continues to defy expectations, solidifying his place as one of the most consistent first-year players in the NBA. Averaging 12.9 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.3 assists, Queen isn’t just participating—he’s excelling. His shooting percentage ranks him among the top 50 players in the league, while his rebounding places him in the top 35. But here’s where it gets even more impressive: Queen recorded his second career triple-double on January 9th, right in his hometown DMV area against the Wizards, finishing with 14 points, 16 rebounds, and 12 assists. With eight double-doubles, he leads all rookies in this category. Is Queen the next big thing in the NBA? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
Kevin Huerter (Chicago Bulls)
Consistency off the bench is an art, and Huerter is mastering it. As a key reserve player, Huerter is averaging 11.8 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game, while shooting an impressive 46% from the field. His efficiency was on full display in a January 10th win over the Mavericks, where he contributed 13 points, six assists, three rebounds, and three steals. But here’s a question: Is Huerter’s role as a bench player limiting his potential, or is it the perfect fit for his skill set?
Jalen Smith (Chicago Bulls)
Rebounding isn’t just a stat—it’s a mindset, and Smith embodies it. As Week 13 begins, Smith is averaging 9.0 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game. His work on the boards has him ranked in the top 55 players league-wide for rebounding. On January 10th, he notched another double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds, along with two steals, one assist, and one block against the Mavericks. And this is the part most people miss: Smith’s ability to impact the game beyond scoring is what makes him invaluable. Do you think he’s underrated?
Aaron Wiggins (Oklahoma City Thunder)
Wiggins is proving that versatility is key in today’s NBA. Shooting 45% from the field, he’s averaging 10.4 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game. On January 9th, he played a pivotal role in the Thunder’s win over the Memphis Grizzlies, posting 16 points, seven rebounds, one assist, a block, and a steal. But here’s where it gets controversial: Is Wiggins’ role in the Thunder’s rotation enough to showcase his full potential, or does he need more minutes to truly shine?
Jahmir Young (Miami Heat/Sioux Falls Skyforce)
The G League is a proving ground, and Young is dominating it. Averaging 24.8 points, 9.2 assists, and 5.0 rebounds per game for the Sioux Falls Skyforce, Young is among the top 10 players in scoring and top five in assists. His January 9th performance against the Rip City Remix was stellar, finishing with 27 points and 12 assists, along with four rebounds and two steals. With five consecutive games of 24 or more points, Young is making a strong case for a call-up. But here’s the question: Is the G League the right platform for Young, or should he already be in the NBA? Share your thoughts below!
Julian Reese (Raptors 905)
Every player’s journey is unique, and Reese is steadily building his. Currently averaging 5.3 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 0.8 assists per game for the Raptors 905, Reese contributed to a January 8th win against the Noblesville Boom with nine points, eight rebounds, two assists, and one block. And this is the part most people miss: Development takes time, and Reese is showing promising growth. Do you think he’ll make the leap to the NBA soon?
Upcoming Schedule
Here’s where you can catch these Terps in action:
- Tuesday, Jan. 13: Miami Heat vs Phoenix Suns (7:30 p.m. ET), New Orleans Pelicans vs Denver Nuggets (8:00 p.m. ET), Chicago Bulls at Houston Rockets (8:00 p.m. ET), Oklahoma City Thunder vs San Antonio Spurs (8:00 p.m. ET), Sioux Falls Skyforce at Memphis Hustle (8:00 p.m. ET), Raptors 905 at Birmingham Squadron (8:00 p.m. ET)
- Wednesday, Jan. 14: New Orleans Pelicans vs Brooklyn Nets (8:00 p.m. ET), Chicago Bulls vs Utah Jazz (8:00 p.m. ET)
- Thursday, Jan. 15: Raptors 905 at Capital City Go-Go (7:00 p.m. ET), Oklahoma City Thunder at Houston Rockets (7:30 p.m. ET), Miami Heat vs Boston Celtics (7:30 p.m. ET)
- Friday, Jan. 16: New Orleans Pelicans at Indiana Pacers (7:00 p.m. ET), Chicago Bulls at Brooklyn Nets (7:30 p.m. ET)
- Saturday, Jan. 17: Raptors 905 at Capital City Go-Go (7:00 p.m. ET), Sioux Falls Skyforce vs Salt Lake City Stars (8:00 p.m. ET), Oklahoma City Thunder at Miami Heat (8:00 p.m. ET)
- Sunday, Jan. 18: Sioux Falls Skyforce vs Long Island Nets (7:30 p.m. ET), New Orleans Pelicans at Houston Rockets (7:00 p.m. ET), Chicago Bulls vs Brooklyn Nets (7:00 p.m. ET)
Players Mentioned
- #10 Julian Reese: 6' 9", Senior, Forward
- #25 Derik Queen: 6' 10", Freshman, Center
Final Thoughts
From dominating rookies to consistent contributors, former Maryland Terps are leaving their mark on the NBA and G League. But the real question is: Who will be the next Terp to make a leap to superstardom? Let us know in the comments which player you’re most excited about and why!
