It's time to shine a spotlight on the incredible alumni of the University of Maryland's basketball program, who are making waves in the NBA! 🏀
Week 12 of the NBA season has been a thrilling ride, and several former Terps are showcasing their skills on the court. Let's dive into the standout performances and the impact these players are having on their respective teams.
Derik Queen: The Rising Star
Derik Queen, a New Orleans Pelicans rookie, is making a name for himself in the league. He's been a model of consistency, averaging an impressive 12.9 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.3 assists. But here's where it gets even more impressive: Queen ranks among the NBA's top 50 in shooting percentage and is within the top 35 rebounders. And this is the part most people miss—he's not just a one-dimensional player.
On January 9th, Queen returned home to the DMV and dominated the Wizards with a stunning triple-double, showcasing his all-around game. This performance solidified his lead in double-doubles among his rookie peers. A remarkable feat!
Kevin Huerter: The Reliable Veteran
Kevin Huerter, a Chicago Bulls veteran, is a pivotal player off the bench. He's averaging a solid 11.8 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game, with a field goal percentage of 46%. On January 10th, Huerter demonstrated his value with an efficient performance against the Mavericks, contributing 13 points, six assists, three rebounds, and three steals. A true testament to his versatility!
Jalen Smith: The Consistent Contributor
Jalen Smith, also with the Chicago Bulls, is having a solid season. As we enter Week 13, he's averaging 9.0 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game. Smith's rebounding skills are particularly noteworthy, placing him within the top 55 league-wide. On the same night as Huerter's standout performance, Smith recorded a double-double of his own, showcasing his ability to step up when needed.
Aaron Wiggins: The Thunder's Secret Weapon
Aaron Wiggins, playing for the Oklahoma City Thunder, is shooting 45% from the field and averaging 10.4 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game. On January 9th, he played a crucial role in the Thunder's victory over the Memphis Grizzlies, posting an impressive stat line of 16 points, seven rebounds, one assist, one block, and one steal. Wiggins is proving to be a reliable contributor.
Jahmir Young: G League Sensation
In the G League, Jahmir Young is making waves for the Sioux Falls Skyforce. He's averaging an incredible 24.8 points, 9.2 assists, and 5.0 rebounds per game, placing him among the league's top scorers and assist leaders. Young's offensive prowess was on full display on January 9th against the Rip City Remix, where he achieved a double-double with 27 points and 12 assists. He's now scored 24 or more points in five consecutive games, a remarkable achievement!
Julian Reese: The Emerging Talent
Julian Reese, playing for Raptors 905, is making steady progress. He's currently averaging 5.3 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 0.8 assists per game. On January 8th, Reese contributed to a win against the Noblesville Boom, showcasing his all-around game with nine points, eight rebounds, two assists, and a block.
With these former Terps making their mark in the NBA and G League, the University of Maryland's basketball program is well-represented. As the season progresses, we can expect more thrilling performances and potential breakout moments from these talented players. Stay tuned for more updates, and feel free to share your thoughts on these rising stars in the comments! 🌟
