COLLEGE PARK, MD – The University of Maryland’s men’s basketball team is riding high as it heads into the NCAA Tournament, having just secured a prestigious spot with a No. 4 seed. Following a remarkable regular season, the team has gained widespread recognition, with three standout players named to the NABC All-District First Team. Ja'Kobi Gillespie, Derik Queen, and Julian Reese are at the forefront of this accolade, marking significant individual successes as they prepare for their first-round game against Grand Canyon University on March 21.
On March 18, 2025, Gillespie, Queen, and Reese were honored for their contributions, highlighting Maryland's impressive season under head coach Kevin Willard. Queen, a freshman, shone brightest among them, earning recognition not just as a member of the All-District First Team but also as the Big Ten Freshman of the Year. This distinction reflects his remarkable performance, which includes the distinction of having the second-highest scoring average all-time among Maryland freshmen at 16.3 points per game, along with leading all freshmen nationally in a staggering 14 double-doubles this season.
Adding to Queen's accolades, he delivered standout performances throughout the Big Ten Tournament, including a breathtaking 31-point outing against #22 ranked Michigan in the semifinals, proving he is poised for the national stage this tournament season.
Ja'Kobi Gillespie, the team’s dynamic junior guard, was also recognized for his stellar performance on the court. He was named to the All-Big Ten Third Team after achieving personal bests in three-pointer accuracy, making 80 shots from behind the arc—the fifth-most for a single season in Maryland history. Additionally, Gillespie led the Terps in assists with 164 and steals with 61, while averaging 14.7 points per game. His unique ability to make nine assists during both the Big Ten Tournament quarterfinals and semifinals established a new single-game tournament record.
Veteran forward Julian Reese rounded out the trio of honorees, showcasing a career filled with achievements over his four years at Maryland. Averaging 13.1 points per game and pulling down 9.0 rebounds, Reese has also notched 14 double-doubles this season. With over 1,443 points and 987 rebounds in his career, he is on track to become just the second player in the program's history to surpass 1,000 career rebounds, a feat not seen since the legendary Len Elmore.
In addition to the players’ accolades, head coach Kevin Willard has been named the NABC East District Co-Coach of the Year for his leadership this season, which has seen the Terps achieve a 25-8 record—tying for sixth-most wins in the program's history. This achievement marks the highest number of wins since the 2015-16 season and ties Willard’s career-high for single-season wins as a coach.
Under Willard’s direction, Maryland not only made its way to the NCAA Tournament but also reached a second-place finish in the Big Ten and secured its third trip ever to the Big Ten Semifinals, all while enjoying six weeks in the AP Top 25 poll—the most since the 2019-20 season. His tenure so far has set a record for the most wins by a head coach in a three-year span at Maryland, with 63 wins, surpassing coaching legends like Lefty Driesell and Gary Williams.
As the Terps gear up for their first game against Grand Canyon University this Friday, fans are filled with a mix of excitement and anticipation. Maryland has shown resilience and talent throughout the season, and many analysts, including long-time basketball commentator Dick Vitale, see the potential for a deep run in the tournament. Vitale predicts a victory for the Terps against Grand Canyon, though he envisions them falling to Colorado State in the Round of 32, attributing the loss to the Rams hitting crucial free throws in the final moments.
Not everyone shares Vitale’s prediction; some fans believe this season filled with accolades and new records bodes well for Maryland's chances. The current momentum and demonstrated skill of the starting five—including Gillespie and Queen—reinforce their status as a contender in this year’s tournament.
As the countdown to March Madness continues, Maryland’s players and coaching staff aim to convert their regular season success into tournament victories. This combination of player achievements, a record-setting coaching performance, and the anticipation of ongoing success provides a firm foundation for the Terrapins’ NCAA tournament journey.
As expected, the team’s performance will be closely monitored, and their first test will come on Friday, March 21, against Grand Canyon, with the game broadcast live on TBS at 4:35 PM ET. With the stakes high and the possibilities endless, fans are hopeful as the team seeks to make history this tournament season.
