Why is Derik Queen called 'Baby Jokic'? How the Maryland star earned the nickname

The Maryland Terrapins have been driven by 2024 consensus five-star recruit Derik Queen this season, who has a special nickname. A member of the impressive “Crab-Five,” Queen is also called "Baby Jokic." So, why the nickname?

Why is Derik Queen called 'Baby Jokic'?

The name "Baby Jokic" was used for the big center previously, but WNBA All-Star Angel Reese certainly boosted its usage. Some were calling Queen "Baby Jokic" in late 2024, as both Queen and Nikola Jokic have remarkable skills that transcend expectations from players with such big frames.

They also have a level of control that the big centers are not often known to have. Queen stands at 6-foot-10 and is a good passer like Jokic, who stands 6-11. After his performance in the Big Ten semifinals against Michigan, Reese also compared his style of play to that of Denver Nuggets’ Jokic on X:

"Derik is literally baby Jokic omg."

It appears the nickname has stuck.

Meanwhile, Queen's performance has helped the Terrapins earn a No. 4 Seed in March Madness after finishing second in the Big Ten (25-8) and reaching the semifinals of the Big Ten conference tournament.

The 2024 class No. 12 recruit made an instant impact after joining from Montverde Academy. The 20-year-old freshman has impressed with his offensive skills, averaging 16.3 points. 9.0 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks while shooting 52.9% from the field and making 14.3% of his 3-point shots.

Derik Queen showed he was a star from the get-go, recording 22 points and 20 rebounds in his college debut. He has already recorded 14 double-doubles before March Madness.

Considered by many as the best center in his class, Queen was voted by the media and coaches as the Big Ten Freshman of the Year and was named in the Big Ten All-Freshman and the Big Ten First Teams.

He has been pointed out by college basketball experts as a name to watch, while many believe he is NBA material. Queen has been referred to as the modern-day version of the traditional big man in the NBA, leading to comparisons with Nikola Jokic.

Derik Queen's NBA Draft projection

The 2025 NBA Draft is edging closer and the conversations around the best prospects are starting to become louder.

While Duke’s Cooper Flagg, a fellow freshman, is seen as the prospective No. 1 pick, Derik Queen is projected to be a respectable top 10 pick, with many having him between No. 7 and No. 10.