Maryland freshman big man remains an intriguing prospect

By now, NBA fans and those who are paid to put together rosters should have learned that there isn't one prototype when projecting greatness. 

It's easy to give the "high ceiling" label to dynamic guards or freakishly athletic wings. It's just as easy to get caught up in a flash and end up regretting draft night decisions. Every year, there is a collection of players who bring substance, yet for many teams, they don't bring the desired style. 

The leader of this group for the class of 2025 seems to be Maryland freshman big man Derik Queen. The Baltimore native is 6-foot-10 and weighs in at 246 pounds. He isn't gliding or soaring in the air for dunks. He won't be caught aimlessly dribbling for the sake of showing off his "bag." In fact, outside of his height, nothing else would say he's a hooper off one glance. 

Look closer at his game, though, and you'll realize Queen is one of the most talented players in the nation. The numbers show solid production for any college player, let alone a freshman. Queen is putting up 15 points and 8.3 rebounds per game. 

He dropped a season-high 27 points in a 77-71 win over Minnesota in January. One of his more recent impressive performances came later in the month against 17th-ranked Illinois. Queen had 25 points, six rebounds, four assists and three steals in a 91-70 victory. This was a perfect display of his entire skill set. 

Queen's movements were methodical yet impactful. His touch, whether getting a bucket or assisting others, was feathery. He also showed some defensive potential with natural instincts, knowing where to be and with quick hands.

Even with a decorated high school resume that includes the McDonald's All-American stamp and five-star rating, it's not hard to imagine a world where teams overlook Queen on draft night. That's how people look back and wonder how the likes of Jalen Brunson (second-round pick in 2018) and Nikola Jokic (second-round pick in 2014) could be picked so low. 

I'm not saying Queen will match the professional careers of those two, but he fits the mold of being more than what meets the eye in a gym full of athletes. They say you can't teach speed, quickness and leaping ability. While true, the same can be said about a natural feel for the game, footwork and creativity. 

Queen has probably had to see the game through a different lens than some of his elite peers. This has produced a game so skilled that you can't ignore him. Terrapins head coach Kevin Willard says Queen "sees the game at a very slow rate." Regardless of build and position, every elite player has the innate ability to get their game off at whatever speed they desire. 

How good can Queen be at the next level? Like all prospects, time will reveal this. He can be successful in the league. In a time where fans are complaining about too many three-pointers and lack of style diversity, Queen offers a vintage yet refreshing take on the game. The bigger question is, will teams know how to utilize their natural gifts while developing their weaknesses? History tells us most will overthink it.