Angel Reese ignites NBA draft buzz by calling Derik Queen “Baby Jokic” in bold comparison

In a world where basketball nicknames carry weight, being dubbed “Baby Jokic” is no small compliment. That label now belongs to Derik Queen, the Maryland standout whose passing skills and court feel have drawn early comparisons to Denver Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokic. But what makes this nickname even more intriguing is who gave it to him—Angel Reese, the WNBA’s rising star and former Maryland and LSU sensation. Their connection, while not by blood, runs deep through the shared hardwood of College Park.While some fans have wondered if Derik Queen and Angel Reese are related, they’re not, however, their bond was born through Maryland basketball. Reese, now a forward for the Chicago Sky, remains a proud alum of the Terrapins program—and for good reason. Her younger brother, Julian Reese, was Queen’s teammate during Maryland’s latest NCAA campaign.It was during that season that Queen began making noise, especially after a highlight-worthy buzzer-beater in the NCAA Tournament. That play, and others like it, earned praise from Reese, who dubbed him “Baby Jokic” for his skill set and poise on the court. She commented earlier this year during an interview in Chicago, saying Queen’s playmaking “reminded her of Jokic” and that he “sees the game two steps ahead.”But as promising as the nickname is, Queen’s leap to the NBA isn’t without questions. His passing ability is elite, and his decision-making on the floor mirrors that of top-tier pros. But the one swing skill? Shooting.If Queen can develop a consistent range, he could carve out a unique role in the league. Without it, scouts believe he may still thrive as a player similar to Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun—a solid big with high IQ, but with limitations in today’s pace-and-space game.Also Read: Angel Reese gives emotional shoutout to Lisa Leslie after win and breaks silence on their bondThe nickname may be playful, but it carries the weight of expectation. As Derik Queen steps into the next chapter of his basketball journey, his roots at Maryland and the confidence of someone like Angel Reese offer a strong foundation. If he delivers, “Baby Jokic” could become more than a nickname—it might be a preview.