The Maryland Terrapins began their 2024-2025 men’s basketball season on Monday with a blowout win over Manhattan. Freshman Derik Queen debuted with 22-points and a lot of excitement as part of this new-look roster of players. The Terps hold a 47-game win streak for home openers which ranks third nationally. Head coach Kevin Willard got his first look at his new team in real action. Maryland won its 10th straight home non-conference game, and 16th consecutive against un-ranked non-conference foes. Tonight, it is Mount St. Mary’s Mountaineers from Emmitsburg, Maryland at Xfinity Center in College Park, Maryland.
Queen’s 22 points were the most by a Maryland freshman in his debut game since Joe Smith had 26 vs. Georgetown in 1993. He also posted the most rebounds by a freshman in their debut for Maryland and the most by any Big Ten freshman in a debut since at least 1996-97.
In the offseason, Willard and his staff revamped the roster with several key transfers and two talented freshmen with Derik Queen and Malachi Palmer. Queen entered as the second-highest ranked recruit in program history.
On the transfer side, Ja’Kobi Gillespie, Selton Miguel, and Rodney Rice will all veteran leadership, instant scoring, and consistent shooting from deep.
Returning for his fourth season, Julian Reese is a key piece of the front court with his experience and talent. Regarded as one of the top front court players in the conference, Reese reached 1,000 career points last season and could hit 1,000 rebounds for his career this year.
Along with Reese, the development of DeShawn Harris-Smith, one of the top Power 5 true freshmen last year, and with Jordan Geronimo returning, they will provide key experience for the Terps. The return from injury of Chance Stephens adds another perimeter threat, while transfers Tafara Gapare and Jay Young provide athletic depth and dynamic defense to the line-up.
“I got the job three years ago, and the first place I went down to was Montverde to watch [Derik Queen]. I got to watch him over the last three years progress. I’ve got to see him lose almost 18 pounds since he got here. I think I said it on media day, he’s one of the best freshmen, if not the best freshman in the country. I know a lot of people talk about other guys, but what he did tonight is what he does everyday in practice — so it’s not really that surprising.”
— head coach Kevin Willard said
The Terps were the top defensive unit in the Big Ten last season allowing 65.9 points per game which ranked 23rd nationally. That marked the first time since 1973-74 for the Terps to lead their conference scoring defense.
Maryland’s record: 1-0; Big Ten 0-0
Mount St. Mary’s record: 1-0
All-time series: Maryland leads 11-0
BetUS Sportsbook : Maryland are favorites at -24.5, O/U 136.5
Tip-Off: Friday, Nov. 8, 2024; 8 pm
Arena: Xfinity Center • College Park, Maryland
TV: Big-Ten Network; Joe Malfa (pxp), Austin Johnson (analyst)
Streaming TV: FOX
Radio: Audacy Radio App / SiriusXM 136; 105.7 FM (Balt.) / 980 AM (D.C.) — Johnny Holliday (play-by-play), Chris Knoche (analyst), Walt Williams (analyst), Tom Marchitto (engineer)
