Coach Kevin Willard achieved something special with this Maryland group by making it to the Sweet 16. For all of those bemoaning the role of NIL in collegiate sports, the drama and passion during this year's March Madness should show that pride and playing for your school still matter a ton to the current players.
Following the win over Colorado State, some made too much of the comments from Derik Queen at the postgame press conference. The freshman stated that his HC pays for the player's services, and social media took off from there.
Maryland’s players were asked what makes Kevin Willard a coach worth listening to.
— Harrison Rich (@harrisonrich_) March 24, 2025
Derik Queen’s initial response: “He do pay us the money.”
Willard’s reaction: pic.twitter.com/VGnF8ioS33
Comments ranged from attacking Queen's English skills to lamenting the ruined college product due to athletic compensation. In a matter of fact, what should have been interpreted as a noncontroversial moment, he bluntly stated what should have already been known for a long time at this point.
Those quick to condemn Maryland academics clearly didn't then take the time to listen to the entirety of the clip. His response came after a lighthearted exchange between those on the podium and the reporter. The media member referred to a prior comment from coach Willard and asked why the players listen to the head of the program when his family members apparently don't feel the need to do so.
It was a clear, lax environment, and the phrase 'tongue-in-cheek' was used multiple times in the setup. Queen was simply matching the energy in his own way, as could easily be seen with the enormous grin and laughter throughout the room.
His further response, however, is what those rallying to the keyboard warrior's cause failed to hear:
"We all trust him because he's like a player coach. And then he want nothing but the best for us. He coaches hard, he talk to us other than basketball. He just always there and wants us to win."
This interaction is a representation of what college sports is meant to be about. Contrary to those declaring the downfall of athletic institutions, growth, development, and personal relationships are always what competitive sports are about.
Coach Willard understands and knows the pulse of the players on his team. This year he's found the right formula to get the most out of this 'Crab Five' group. To have the culmination of the season to this point result in Queen's appreciation beyond the court should have been a universally welcomed talking point from the Terrapins player.
Case in point, the following question for Julian Reese and Rodney Rice discussed the positive impact of having someone like Queen on the roster. The guard shared how much they like playing with someone who seems able to play without the pressure and eases any tension that would normally come with being expected to perform on the big-time stage.
People may disagree on the role of money in the NCAA today, but Queen's comments are both in line with how he always is and a welcomed part of this year's Maryland team. It's unknown how much further Maryland can progress through the tournament. If the second round is any indication, the freshman will make sure the NIL Terrapins boosters are getting their money's worth.