Bold take: Terps in the NBA are proving Maryland’s pipeline really works, with multiple alumni contributing meaningful impact this week. Here’s a fresh, beginner-friendly rewrite that keeps every key detail intact while clarifying context and adding a touch of insight.
Terps in the NBA: Week 8 — A Current Look at Maryland’s Pros
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COLLEGE PARK, MD — The NBA’s eighth week is in the books, and Maryland’s former players are making waves across several teams. Here’s how Derik Queen, Kevin Huerter, Jalen Smith, Aaron Wiggins, and Jahmir Young performed this week.
Derik Queen (New Orleans Pelicans)
- Queen has continued to blossom in his rookie season, raising his averages to 12.7 points per game on a 50.4% shooting line, plus 6.4 rebounds and 4.1 assists per contest.
- On December 8 against the Spurs, the Baltimore native exploded for 33 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists, and three blocks, becoming the first rookie center in NBA history to post a 30-point triple-double.
- His status has him sitting at third place on the NBA Rookie Ladder.
Kevin Huerter (Chicago Bulls)
- In 20 games (eight starts), Huerter is averaging 12.2 points and 3.3 rebounds per game, shooting 47.4% from the field.
- He has reached 20+ points in three games this season and has knocked down four or more three-pointers in three contests.
- Huerter had a strong return after missing time with an adductor strain: 16 points (4-8 from three), 3 rebounds, 4 steals.
Jalen Smith (Chicago Bulls)
- Smith is averaging 9.6 points on 47.3% shooting with 5.8 rebounds per game.
- The former lottery pick has reached double figures in scoring 10 times and has logged double-digit rebounds on three occasions.
- Earlier this season, Smith delivered back-to-back double-doubles: 18 points and 11 rebounds at Cleveland, followed by 11 points and 12 rebounds against San Antonio.
Aaron Wiggins (Oklahoma City Thunder)
- Wiggins has played 15 games this season after missing much of November due to injury and has quickly made an impact since returning.
- In six games post-injury, he has reached double figures in scoring three times as the Thunder went 5-1 in that span.
- On the season, he’s averaging a career-high 12.3 points per game while shooting 46.2% from the field and 41.7% from three-point range.
- A notable recent game: 20 minutes, 19 points on 6/9 from the field and 5/6 from three, plus 3 rebounds and 1 assist, helping the Thunder move to a strong 23-1 mark (captioned highlights).
- Another standout performance: 27 points (7-10 from three), 2 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals in a different contest.
Jahmir Young (Miami Heat / Sioux Falls Skyforce)
- Young has split time between the NBA and the G League this season.
- He appeared in five games with the Miami Heat, averaging 2.0 points in 5.0 minutes per game.
- With the Skyforce, the Maryland native has thrived: about 25.5 points, 6.8 assists, and 6.0 rebounds per game.
Upcoming Schedule Highlights
Wednesday, Dec. 17 — Cleveland Cavaliers at Chicago Bulls (8:00 p.m. ET)
Thursday, Dec. 18 — Atlanta Hawks at Charlotte Hornets (7:00 p.m. ET) and Houston Rockets at New Orleans Pelicans (8:00 p.m. ET)
Friday, Dec. 19 — Chicago Bulls at Cleveland Cavaliers (7:30 p.m. ET) and San Antonio Spurs at Atlanta Hawks (7:30 p.m. ET)
Saturday, Dec. 20 — Indiana Pacers at New Orleans Pelicans (7:00 p.m. ET)
Sunday, Dec. 21 — Chicago Bulls at Atlanta Hawks (3:30 p.m. ET)
Monday, Dec. 22 — Dallas Mavericks at New Orleans Pelicans (8:00 p.m. ET)
Players Mentioned and Positions
- Derik Queen (#25) — Center, 6'10", Freshman
- Kevin Huerter — Guard/Forward
- Jalen Smith — Forward/Center
- Aaron Wiggins — Guard/Forward
- Jahmir Young — Guard
Notes for readers new to the coverage
- This piece tracks Maryland’s alumni across the NBA and G League, highlighting season averages, notable games, and recent performances that demonstrate growth and potential.
- The data includes game-by-game highlights and occasional social media references to provide context and timeliness for fans following these players.
What this means for Maryland fans
- The Terps’ pipeline to the NBA remains active and productive, with several players contributing in meaningful roles and continuing to develop at the highest level. This ongoing flow helps elevate the program’s reputation for nurturing professional-ready talent.
Would you like deeper breakdowns of each player’s skill set, or a calendar-style digest with dates, opponents, and expected matchup notes for the next two weeks?
