10/20/2026 10:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
COLLEGE PARK, MD -- As the 2026-27 NBA season gets underway, five former Maryland men's basketball players are preparing to make their mark across the league. Derik Queen and Julian Reese (New Orleans Pelicans), Kevin Huerter (Detroit Pistons), Aaron Wiggins (Atlanta Hawks) and Jalen Smith (Chicago Bulls) will represent the Terps at the professional level, with each looking to build on his journey from College Park.
Derik Queen – New Orleans Pelicans
- Queen enters his second NBA season after an impressive rookie campaign with New Orleans.
- Selected 13th overall in the 2025 NBA Draft following his standout freshman season at Maryland, Queen averaged 11.7 points, 7.1 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game in 2025-26, showcasing an unusual combination of size, scoring ability and playmaking for a young center.
- With another year of NBA experience ahead of him, Queen will look to continue developing into a key piece of the Pelicans' young core.
DERIK QUEEN IS DIFFERENT. 33 PTS 10 REB 10 AST 4 BLK 11/15 FG https://t.co/7BbyBmNh1B
— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) December 9, 2025
Julian Reese – New Orleans Pelicans
- Reese heads into the 2026-27 season in New Orleans after signing a two-way contract with the Pelicans in September.
- The former Maryland forward impressed in limited NBA action with the Washington Wizards last season, averaging 11.8 points and 10.5 rebounds across 13 games.
- Known for his physicality, rebounding and ability to finish around the basket, Reese will look to earn opportunities with the Pelicans while reuniting with former Maryland teammate Queen, bringing their on-court connection from College Park to the NBA.
Derik Queen on what Julian Reese brings to the squad #Pelicans | @TerrapinHoops https://t.co/q5ujCnKPmK
— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) September 28, 2026
Kevin Huerter – Detroit Pistons
- Huerter enters the 2026-27 season looking to provide Detroit with perimeter shooting and veteran experience.
- The former Terp, who was selected 19th overall in the 2018 NBA Draft, has established himself as a versatile guard capable of spacing the floor, creating his own shot and facilitating for teammates.
- After helping Detroit make a postseason run last season, Huerter will look to remain a consistent contributor as the Pistons continue to build around their young core.
Let's get back to work 🤝 OFFICIAL – The Detroit Pistons announced today that the team has re-signed guard Kevin Huerter. https://t.co/shz3UUO3oB
— Detroit Pistons (@DetroitPistons) July 11, 2026
Aaron Wiggins – Atlanta Hawks
- Wiggins begins a new chapter in his NBA career after joining Atlanta in the offseason following five seasons with the Oklahoma City Thunder.
- The former Terp arrives with valuable championship experience after helping Oklahoma City win the NBA title in 2025, along with a reputation as a versatile two-way wing.
- His ability to knock down perimeter shots, attack the basket and defend multiple positions should provide the Hawks with a valuable addition as they look to take the next step.
Aaron Wiggins will continue saving basketball 👏 https://t.co/eJRR2724AC
— Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) October 19, 2026
Jalen Smith – Chicago Bulls
- Smith returns to Chicago for his third season with the Bulls after continuing to develop into a productive frontcourt presence.
- The 10th overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, Smith brings a combination of interior scoring, rebounding and floor spacing, giving Chicago versatility in its frontcourt rotation.
- Following an injury-shortened 2025-26 campaign, Smith will look to return to full strength and make an impact throughout the upcoming season.
One quarter into preseason hoops. Jalen Smith: 9 points (3-4 FG) https://t.co/NhvMObVrfN
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) October 8, 2026
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