Queen is widely considered a potential lottery pick in the 2025 NBA draft, and Bleacher Report's Jonathan Wasserman projected him to go fifth overall. Players typically don't resist the NBA overtures when they rank so highly on draft boards.

The Baltimore native is doing his hometown proud during the NCAA Tournament. Maryland faces No. 1 Florida on Thursday in the Sweet 16.

Maryland's Derik Queen sent the Terrapins to the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2016 with a stunning game-winning shot against Colorado State.

SEATTLE — When there was no one left to celebrate with him, Derik Queen clapped by himself. He stared into the crowd. He bounced a little. The author of a forever moment, the man who finally changed Maryland’s last-shot fortunes, basked as he waited for a hero’s postgame interview.

The Baltimore native and Terps basketball star has signed an NIL endorsement deal with Dairy Queen, maker of ice cream treats, including its iconic soft-serve Blizzards, according to a report Thursday in Cllct. Queen posted a Dairy Queen advertisement on his social media accounts, including Instagram.

Although Maryland fans may have felt blindsided, Willard was frequently linked to the role, with the possibility really starting to ramp up during the team's NCAA Tournament run. Maryland's superstar freshman Derik Queen took to X to show his disappointment with the news, using multiple sad emojis in response to the report.

Who is Derik Queen? The Maryland true freshman big man is making a big name for himself in the men's NCAA Tournament this season:

BALTIMORE -- Maryland star Derik Queen was noncommittal about his future after throwing out a ceremonial first pitch at the Baltimore Orioles' home opener Monday. "I don't know," Queen said.

Derik Queen banked in a fadeaway jumper at the buzzer, and Maryland advanced to the Sweet 16 in a thriller, beating Colorado State 72-71 in the second round of the NCAA Tournament.