WNBA superstar Angel Reese has her eyes set on a future basketball sensation, and she’s made her opinion known.
As Maryland took on Michigan in a tense March Madness showdown on Saturday, Reese took to social media to shout out Derik Queen, comparing the 6-foot-10 freshman center to none other than Nikola Jokic, the reigning NBA MVP.
Slaying TikTok! Angel Reese shows she’s a boss
Reese, known for her sharp basketball insights as well as her on-court dominance, wasn’t holding back when she called Queen “Baby Jokic” in a post on X (formerly Twitter). Watching Queen’s commanding presence on the court, it’s clear to see why Reese made such a bold statement.
Derik Queen’s Game Mirrors Jokic’s Versatility
Even though Maryland narrowly fell to Michigan in an 80-81 thriller, Queen’s performance proved why he’s quickly becoming one of the most exciting players in college basketball.
This season, Queen is averaging 16 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 assists per game, all while shooting 53% from the field – numbers that make him one of the top freshmen in the country.
But stats only tell part of the story. Like Jokic, Queen possesses rare ball-handling and playmaking skills for a big man. His ability to create shots from the perimeter, handle the ball smoothly, and make smart passes is reminiscent of what has made Jokic an NBA superstar.
Maryland head coach Kevin Willard even remarked to CBS: “If [Queen] was White and European, he’d be the first pick in the draft.”
It’s a striking comment that highlights both Queen’s extraordinary talent and the ongoing discussion about how players are evaluated in the NBA draft process.
Coaches and Players Rave About Queen’s Impact
Though his assist numbers might not jump off the page, those watching closely know that Queen has elite court vision and creativity, especially for a player his size.
Speaking about Queen’s impact on the game, Michigan guard Rubin Jones shared: “He’s definitely a good player. He puts a lot of pressure on you even though he’s not shooting the ball or nothing like that. He’s light on his feet to be so big.”
Michigan’s Will Tschetter also praised Queen, adding: “[Queen’s] very tough to guard with that skill set, versatility is really tough. Obviously hasn’t shot it the greatest from three, but you know came on tonight and shot really well from three.”
Beyond his impressive stats and flashy plays, Queen’s calm demeanor and ability to read the game set him apart. His passing ability, particularly when on the move, is something NBA scouts look for – and it’s another reason Reese wasn’t afraid to put him in the same conversation as Jokic.
As Queen continues to shine under the March Madness spotlight, his stock is only rising, and Angel Reese might be onto something. Whether he reaches Jokic’s heights remains to be seen, but with his unique skill set and growing reputation, he’s certainly on the radar as a future NBA standout.
