Angel Reese believes she has found the next Nikola Jokic.
The WNBA star was tuned into Maryland’s thrilling game against Michigan on Saturday where she singled out Derik Queen as the next version of the Serbian.
Queen is enjoying a stellar freshman campaign for Maryland where the 6ft 10in center has stood out among his peers.
His height and wide frame have drawn him comparisons with many of the NBA’s best centers and Reese thinks she has found the perfect comp.
During Maryland’s tight 80-81 loss to Michigan, Reese posted on her X account that Queen is “Baby Jokic” and the remark isn’t wild to suggest.
Queen is one of the most productive freshmen in the country, averaging 16 points, nine rebounds, and two assists while shooting 53 percent from the field.
Like Jokic, he also has incredible ball skills despite being a big man.
The 20-year-old is a fantastic ballhandler and shot creator from the perimeter, controlling the ball at a level most guys at his height cannot.
Queen uses his frame to maintain advantages with his ability to use a hostage dribble, something lots of bigs — including at the NBA level — struggle to do.
It’s this reason his head coach Kevin Willard made some wild comments about Queen to CBS, saying that “if [Queen] was White and European, he’d be the first pick in the draft.”
Another aspect that separates Queen from similar athletes is his passing — another reason to sport the Baby Jokic tag.
His incredible vision allows him to deliver on the move in the way NBA teams love to see.
While he is averaging just 1.9 assists per game this season, this undersells his creative ability.
His peers are full of praise for him too, often noting how he uses his size.
“He’s definitely a good player.” Michigan guard Rubin Jones said.
“He puts a lot of pressure on you even though he’s not shooting the ball or nothing like that. He got a lot of force coming downhill, light on his feet to be so big.”
“[Queen’s] very tough to guard with that skill set, versatility is really tough,” redshirt junior Will Tschetter said.
“Obviously hasn’t shot it the greatest from three, but you know came on tonight and shot really well for three.”
Praised by his fellow college hoopers, coaches and even a WNBA star in Reese, Queen is one to watch.
Whether he can match three-time MVP Jokic is another matter.
But if he keeps showing off his rounded skill set, expect to see Queen’s name called high when he declares for the draft.
