Derik Queen aka Mr.Finesse
Recent Maryland commit Derik Queen is someone you should be paying attention to.
What comes to your mind when you think of the skills that modern bigs need to possess? Great hands? The ability to guard switches in space while showcasing shooting ability? Short roll skill to either finish through or above contact while being able to hit the corner man if help commits? Defensively, can he provide rim protection or at the very least be a glass cleaner? These are just a few traits.
In other words versatility, while Derik Queen may not possess every single one of these traits listed above. His immense feel & skill at this age leads me to believe that he will check the question mark boxes of his game as his career progresses. As a seamless plug-in on a loaded Montverde Academy squad, Queen can get forgotten about however he is a consistent contributor. His activity is hard to overlook, constantly on the glass, fighting for 50/50 balls while giving multiple efforts on the glass. Queen is a high motor connecting piece that quite simply contributes to winning.
IQ
When it comes to what skill stands out to me most it’s an intangible, Queen’s basketball intelligence is sensational. He knows how to play the game of basketball plain & simple. He is a ball mover and an offensive hub that makes winning plays.
Finisher/Play Finisher
Queen embraces contact & you can count on him to finish around the basket whether via the roll or by way of dump off’s. In the post he has skillful footwork, using patience & timing to pivot his way into easy buckets. The finishing ability manifests itself into a graceful & elegant interior man who is a reliable low-post threat.
Passing
He is an efficient passer whether out of the post or within the flow of the offense, he is also comfortable in transition rebounding, pushing & making plays for others.
Footwork
Queen has solid touch around the basket, coupled with fine footwork & patience.
Transition Playmaking
Queen improves Montverde’s transition game by being able to comfortably rebound, push & make great decisions.
Interior Scoring
Queen knows how to seal effectively, consistently burying defenders under the basket.
Rebounder
Queens is active on the glass & his effort cannot be overlooked. He has a knack for coming up with offensive rebounds & quick tip in’s.
Defense
A large part of defense is effort & Queen provides that, improving his anticipation, timing & foot speed are next steps.
In conclusion, Derik Queen has a pretty loaded skillset that allows him to fit in with different lineups. I believe that he will continue to work on his physique & athletic ability which limit him at this very moment. Dedicating himself to everything off the court such as dieting, body maintenance, weight work & sleep will be to his benefit. Keep an eye out for how he finishes out his senior year at Montverde, the spring All-Star game circuit & then his upcoming freshman year at Maryland.
I also highlighted Queen’s skillset in my latest Youtube video, check it out.
That’s a scary fast break for opponents with him as the initiator 😳