'24 Derik Queen talks Indiana, Texas; goes in-depth with his recruitment

The 2024 class is tracking to be a strong one nationally. Naming the top players in the class, you will not get too far down the list before Montverde (FL) Academy’s Derik Queen hears his name.

“I can shoot a little bit, handle, pass, rebound,” Queen told On3 Sports. “I can do a little bit of everything. Since the summer, I’ve lost a lot of weight; I developed my body a lot, got faster and stronger with that. I love the way Darius Garland and Chris Paul affect the game. Demar DeRozan has a great mid-range game, and I watch Kevin Durant with how tall he is and all the guard stuff he can do.”

This summer, the 6-foot-9 Queen played with the Team Thrill program on the UAA 16u circuit. College coaches have already started to prioritize Queen. Derik Queen spoke exclusively to On3 Sports about his recruitment.

“We are hearing a lot from DePaul, Texas, and Indiana right now,” Queen said. “I have not been on any visits yet, but I will look to start going on the officials my 11th-grade year. I will probably set visits up with them.”

Queen talks recruitment

DePaul: “When coach Bino Ranson was at Maryland, we were really cool with each other. We still got that relationship.”

Texas: “I like how coach (Chris) Beard has them playing defense. Dillon (Mitchell) committed there; we are always around each other. I like how they communicate with Dillon.”

Indiana: “I like head coach Mike Woodson. He was an NBA coach, and he knows what it takes to get to that level. I think I fit the Big 10 and how they play.”

Queen’s take

“Development is the big thing for me,” Queen said. “I will go to these schools and try to see who can develop me to the next level. Of course, relationships will matter, my relationship with the coaches. I will look at how they use me if their offense plays to my strengths.”

On3’s take

Derik Queen is very skilled for a player his size. Standing at a sturdy 6-9, Queen is comfortable initiating the offense bring the ball up the floor. He can also put his back to the basket and score on the block. Queen has worked hard to re-shape his body, and with it has come added quickness and pop; he needs to continue on that. There is a lot of positive impacts his game brings.