There was no drama in Maryland basketball’s 84-53 win over Florida A&M on Monday night at Xfinity Center. The Terps raced out to a 15-0 lead and were never trailed in their final prep game before hosting No. 15 Marquette this Friday.
But there was a bit of intrigue afterward when Maryland coach Kevin Willard was asked why he didn’t start five-star freshman Derik Queen in the second half.
“I didn’t like the way [Queen] was playing in the first half,” he said.
Asked to expound on that, he repeated that he didn’t like how Queen was playing and added, “That’s the great thing about being a head coach. I get to make decisions and you guys get to criticize it.”
Although notable, it doesn’t seem like something to be concerned about. Queen was in his usual jovial mood after the game and for Willard, a strict coach, this is the time of the season to correct mistakes. The other member of Maryland’s imposing center duo, Julian Reese, had his best game of the season, posting 21 points and nine rebounds on 8 for 12 shooting in just 20 minutes. The Rattlers (0-3) didn’t have the size to contest him or Maryland (3-0) in the paint.
A different player has led them in scoring in all three games, a positive development after Jahmir Young carried the load with little help last year. Reese had totaled 18 points in the first two games, but is averaging eight rebounds in barely 20 minutes per game. He’ll get more opportunity
“One of the frustrating things for Julian — he hasn’t been frustrated, but when you put this many new guys out there with him, there is a learning curve understanding where he likes the ball, when to get the ball, where to get the ball. JaKobi’s never played with him. Obviously, Selton has never played with him. Derik’s never played with him. So there is a time, there is a little bit of a learning curve. If you guys understand how unselfish Julian is, which he has been really unselfish,” he said.
More from Willard below on Queen, Reese on fixing his shot and more:
