New Orleans Pelicans rookie Derik Queen is riding high on the confidence he gained from a pivotal moment during his college basketball career. Last season, while playing for the Maryland Terrapins, Queen made headlines by hitting the game-winning shot against Colorado State in the Round of 32 of the NCAA Tournament. This standout performance contributed to him being selected as the No. 13 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, before a same-day trade brought him to the Pelicans.
At just 20 years old, Queen is aware that while that memorable shot elevated his profile, it is merely a stepping stone in his career. During an interview with On3, he reflected on the impact that moment had on his confidence both during college and now as he continues to grow within the Pelicans organization.
Queen shared insights into his personal journey, stating, “It probably was that moment because it blew up the most. Scouts or GMs are not really looking at that… it’s just one play. But it definitely gave me a lot more confidence.” He elaborated that confidence can stem from various moments in a game, particularly when scoring against a player one admires, offering valuable lessons about both performance and personal growth.
As he adjusts to the NBA, Queen has been making strides on the court. In his first seven games of the season, he has averaged eight points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game, boasting an impressive shooting percentage of 48.8%.
NBA Draft analyst James Fletcher III highlighted Queen’s potential, ranking him as the No. 9 prospect leading into the draft, citing his unique skill set, impressive footwork, and offensive capabilities from the center position. However, Fletcher also noted that for Queen to reach his fullest potential, improvements on defense are essential, particularly as teams look to build around him.
With the Pelicans in a rebuilding phase, Queen’s development is promising for the team’s future. As he continues to grow, both in confidence and skill, the Pelicans and their fans hope to see impactful contributions from this talented rookie as the season progresses. Queen’s partnership with Quest Nutrition, which recently introduced a new protein donut, showcases his dedication to maintaining peak physical condition while encouraging fans to join him on this journey.