Sixers Draft Target Derik Queen Calls Game! An inside look at the intriguing Maryland prospect

For Sixers fans, the dream of winning the NBA Draft lottery and landing Cooper Flagg feels like pure fantasy. But that doesn’t mean they can’t still get a game-changing player—someone on the verge of breaking out into a true star.

Sixers March Madness Targets: Players to watch for as we approach the NBA Draft >>

Which brings me to Derik Queen—the name everyone’s talking about in college basketball, especially with March Madness heating up.

Derik Queen was awesome yesterday for Maryland and propelled them to victory over Colorado State, the 12th-seed in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. The 6-foot-10 forward/center had 17 points and six rebounds. But what really caught everyone’s attention was his buzzer-beating fadeaway off the glass that gave them the win.

Sixers draft target Derik Queen calls game

MARYLAND WINS AT THE BUZZER 🤯🤯🤯

DERIK QUEEN GAME WINNER 🔥 pic.twitter.com/ztNeZUICZj

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) March 24, 2025

Before I dive into the specifics of Derik Queen as a basketball player, I wanted to highlight his personality. Which is certainly something we don’t overlook here in Philly. Following Queen hitting the game-winning shot yesterday he had quite the response to a reporters question about his confidence in taking that shot.

“I’m from Baltimore, that’s why,” Queen said. “I kind of had it going all game, me and my teammates had it going. They trusted me to take that last shot.”

Alright, time to talk about his game shall we? And how he might fit on the Sixers.

Derik Queen is a dominant offensive force at just 20 years old…

At only 20 years old, Derik Queen has already established himself as one of the most productive players in college basketball. He’s a highly skilled, efficient scorer and a key piece for a top-12 team in the nation. His offensive game is polished beyond his years, making him one of the most intriguing prospects in the 2024 NBA Draft.

Queen is more than just a traditional post-up player. Yes, he has the strength and footwork to dominate inside, but his game extends far beyond the low block. He has an impressive face-up game, blending finesse with power. His footwork and handles allow him to create his own shots in ways most big men can’t.

One of Queen’s most underrated strengths is his passing. He makes quick, creative reads, often delivering cross-court dimes that you’d expect from a point guard. His ability to collapse defenses and find open teammates makes him an offensive engine, not just a scoring threat.

How does Queen fit on the Sixers?

If Queen were a stronger defender, he’d likely be a top-five pick. But his defensive limitations raise concerns about his NBA upside. He lacks ideal size for an NBA cere underwhelming, and he’s often been hidden in Maryland’s defensive schemes—something that won’t be as easy to do at the next level.

Another red flag? His shooting. Queen hasn’t shot three much or very well at Maryland, and his form isn’t exactly textbook. However, his strong free-throw percentage suggests there’s potential for improvement. If he can develop a reliable jumper, it would open up his game even more. It’s worth noting in his latest game, he did shoot 2-3 from beyond the arc.

The Sixers need front court help, but does Queen fit their long-term vision? Offensively, he’d bring a new dimension with his ability to create and facilitate, especially in a modern NBA where big men are expected to be more than just post scorers. However, his defensive issues could be problematic next to Joel Embiid, as the Sixers need a front court partner who can hold their own defensively and stretch the floor.

Regardless, the risk may be worth the potential reward here as I just personally feel like Derik Queen is oozing of star potential and will eventually figure it all out. Some guys are just built that way.

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