Julian Reese is proving that opportunity is everything in the NBA. While many Maryland fans expected rookie Derik Queen to be the headline story this season, it's Reese who is making an undeniable splash for the Washington Wizards.
Signed to a two-way contract in late February, the Baltimore native is seizing his chance with both hands. In just his ninth career game on Sunday, Reese notched his third double-double, dropping 17 points and grabbing 16 rebounds in a loss to the Brooklyn Nets. His rapid ascent has placed him in elite company; he's the fastest player to reach 100 career rebounds since the legendary Shaquille O'Neal accomplished the feat back in 1992.
Though his sample size is still small, the numbers are impossible to ignore. Averaging 10.8 points and 11.3 rebounds per game, Reese would be one of only nine players in the entire league posting a double-double if he qualified for the leaderboards. This red-hot start isn't just a flash in the pan—it's a loud statement that Julian Reese has arrived and is here to stay in the NBA.
In other Terps news, the women's lacrosse team continues its dominant run, holding firm as the nation's top-ranked and only undefeated Division I team. Meanwhile, the women's basketball team finished at No. 20 in the final Associated Press poll of the season. On the individual front, guard Kaylene Smikle has announced her entry into the transfer portal.
Off the court, Maryland football alum and offensive tackle Alan Herron is generating NFL Draft buzz, with a scheduled workout for the Washington Commanders on the horizon.
