Inside The Nets

Nets Take March Madness Star in Mock Draft

The Brooklyn Nets could find their next star in this year's March Madness tournament.

Jeremy Brener

Mar 15, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Maryland Terrapins center Derik Queen (25) dribbles the ball while Michigan Wolverines center Danny Wolf (1) defends in the second half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
Mar 15, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Maryland Terrapins center Derik Queen (25) dribbles the ball while Michigan Wolverines center Danny Wolf (1) defends in the second half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images / Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
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The first round of March Madness tips off today, and the Brooklyn Nets scouting department should be paying close attention.

Armed with a potential top pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, the Nets will have the chance to take one of the top prospects competing in the tournament.

Bleacher Report writer Jonathan Wasserman conducted a recent mock draft, where the Nets selected Maryland big man Derik Queen with the No. 5 overall pick.

"Despite losing to Michigan in the Big Ten tournament, Derik Queen put together one of his most compelling NBA pitches of the year with 31 points. Making a pair of threes and mid-range jumpers while shaking defenders off the dribble and handling in transition, Queen showcased an updated skill set that's changed scouts' minds about his NBA fit," Wasserman writes.

"Queen may need some specific pieces around him to mask some of his limitations, but lottery teams could simply see too polished of an offensive player to worry about fit for a rebuilding roster."

Queen and the Terrapins are set to play in their Round of 64 matchup tomorrow against Grand Canyon, who pulled off an upset in last year's edition of the tournament. Tipoff for the game is set for 4:35 p.m. ET from inside Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle.

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Jeremy Brener
JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several On SI sites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid and resides in Central Florida. He graduated from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.

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