Last Updated on October 8, 2026 by Pedro Salcas
Derik Queen is an American professional basketball player for the New Orleans Pelicans in the NBA. Born Derik Emanuel Queen on December 27, 2004, in Baltimore, Maryland, he developed into one of the country’s most promising basketball players before attending the University of Maryland and entering the NBA. His journey from the basketball courts of East Baltimore to professional basketball was shaped by his mother’s dedication, the memory of his late father and the guidance of influential coaches who became father figures during his childhood.
Derik Queen’s parents are Lisa Anderson and the late Erik Queen, who died in April 2007 when Derik was only two years old. His mother raised him as an only child, providing support throughout his development. Although Queen has no siblings, he developed close relationships with childhood teammates who became like brothers to him. His grandmother, Gwendolyn Wiggins, also played a role in his early basketball experiences. While his family background is well documented, Queen has maintained privacy regarding his romantic relationships and whether he has children.
Does Derik Queen Have a Girlfriend?
As of now, Derik Queen has not publicly confirmed that he is in a romantic relationship. The New Orleans Pelicans center has generally kept his dating life private, and reliable sports publications have not identified a current girlfriend.
Since becoming one of the country’s leading high school basketball prospects, Queen has attracted considerable media attention for his performances, personality and inspiring family background.
However, his major interviews have primarily concentrated on his basketball development, relationship with his mother, childhood experiences in Baltimore and transition to professional basketball.
During interviews with The Baltimore Banner, the University of Maryland and other established sports publications, Queen has discussed his family and personal ambitions without publicly identifying a romantic partner.
There is also no reliable public announcement confirming that he is married or engaged.
Although basketball fans may be curious about his dating history, the absence of public information does not necessarily mean that he is single.
His current romantic relationship status remains undisclosed.
Does Derik Queen Have Children?
There are no publicly confirmed reports indicating that Derik Queen has children.
The American basketball player has not publicly announced the birth of a son or daughter, and his official NBA biography does not identify him as a father.
Most publicly documented information about his personal life concerns his mother, late father, grandmother and close relationships with childhood basketball coaches.
Queen has also participated in initiatives designed to support young people in Baltimore, but those community activities should not be confused with information about his own potential children.
As of now, it remains unconfirmed whether Derik Queen has any children.
Who Are Derik Queen’s Parents?
Derik Queen was born to Lisa Anderson and Erik Queen in Baltimore, Maryland.
His father died in April 2007, leaving Lisa to raise their son largely on her own.
Although Queen was too young to develop extensive memories of his father, several people who knew Erik later became important figures in his basketball development.
The family’s background was documented in a detailed June 25, 2025, article published by The Baltimore Banner.
Journalist Childs Walker interviewed Lisa Anderson and several coaches who had known Queen since childhood, providing insight into his upbringing and the circumstances that helped shape his career.
Derik Queen’s Father: Erik Queen
Erik Queen was the father of NBA basketball player Derik Queen.
Like his son, Erik grew up in Baltimore and developed an interest in basketball during his younger years.
According to The Baltimore Banner, Erik stood approximately 6 feet 4 inches tall and was known locally as a talented shooting guard.
He played basketball in East Baltimore and participated in the Cecil Kirk Recreation program, which helped develop several promising athletes from the city.
Former players and coaches remembered Erik as an energetic competitor with a strong personality.
Donnell “Mookie” Dobbins, who knew Erik during childhood, described him as a talented outside shooter with an outgoing personality.
He also remembered Erik’s competitive mentality and ability to connect with people.
Those characteristics later reminded Dobbins of Derik, whom he helped coach as a young basketball player.
What Happened to Derik Queen’s Father?
Erik Queen died in April 2007 after being shot in Baltimore, Maryland.
According to The Baltimore Banner’s June 2025 investigation, Erik was shot on East Lafayette Avenue and subsequently died at Johns Hopkins Hospital.
He was only 24 years old.
Derik was approximately two years old when his father died.
The tragedy meant that he grew up without the opportunity to develop a lasting personal relationship with his father.
His mother, Lisa Anderson, explained that Derik rarely asked questions about the circumstances surrounding Erik’s death.
However, she occasionally reminded him about important dates associated with his father’s life.
Although Erik was not physically present during Derik’s childhood, his memory remained alive through people who had known him.
Two particularly important figures were youth basketball coaches Woody Gunter and Donnell Dobbins.
Both men had connections to Erik through Baltimore’s basketball community and later helped guide his son.
Their involvement created a meaningful connection between Derik’s family history and his developing basketball ambitions.
How Derik Queen’s Father’s Friends Helped Raise Him
Following Erik Queen’s death, several people from Baltimore’s basketball community became important mentors to his son.
Woody Gunter and Donnell “Mookie” Dobbins were particularly influential.
According to The Baltimore Banner, both coaches had known Erik and recognized similarities between father and son.
Gunter helped develop Queen’s basketball abilities through youth training programs and competitive tournaments.
Dobbins also became deeply involved in his development and eventually served as one of his most trusted basketball advisers.
Lisa Anderson credited both men with providing the guidance associated with father figures.
During his childhood, Derik occasionally stayed with Gunter’s family when his mother was working.
These arrangements provided additional stability while allowing Queen to continue attending basketball practices and tournaments.
Gunter also encouraged discipline and respectful behavior.
In his interview with The Baltimore Banner, he recalled occasions when Derik questioned why he was being corrected so firmly.
Gunter explained that he believed Erik would have wanted people to hold his son accountable.
Those conversations demonstrated how the memory of Derik’s father continued influencing his upbringing.
Dobbins also recognized similarities between Derik’s personality and his father’s competitive approach to basketball.
He believed that Derik inherited some of Erik’s confidence, creativity and determination.
Although neither coach was biologically related to Queen, their involvement helped provide the support he needed during important stages of his development.
Derik Queen’s Mother: Lisa Anderson
Lisa Anderson is the mother of NBA basketball player Derik Queen and one of the most influential figures in his life.
She raised her son in Baltimore following the death of his father in 2007.
According to a June 2025 interview with The Baltimore Banner, Lisa stands approximately 6 feet 1 inch tall, contributing to the family height that later helped Derik develop into a professional basketball center.
Although Lisa has generally maintained a private professional life, she has openly discussed the challenges and responsibilities associated with raising her son.
One of her earliest memories involves Derik’s fascination with basketball.
She recalled giving him a basketball as a gift when he was young, although she could not remember whether the occasion was Christmas or his birthday.
Because Derik was born on December 27, the two celebrations occurred only days apart.
The gift quickly became one of his favorite possessions.
Lisa explained that her son developed a habit of taking the basketball almost everywhere.
During elementary school, he frequently walked to a nearby basketball court after completing his school activities.
He remained there for hours, practicing and playing with other children until evening.
For Lisa, basketball became a source of reassurance because she generally knew where to find her son.
She also believed that his dedication to the sport helped him remain focused on positive activities.
Rather than constantly worrying about him becoming involved in neighborhood trouble, she knew that he preferred spending time on the basketball court.
His early enthusiasm eventually developed into a serious ambition to compete at higher levels.
How Lisa Anderson Supported Her Son’s Basketball Career
Lisa Anderson played an important role in supporting Derik Queen’s development from childhood through his selection in the NBA Draft.
She helped him attend basketball practices, supported his participation in youth competitions and maintained relationships with coaches who recognized his abilities.
As Derik became older, his talent attracted attention from prominent basketball programs outside Baltimore.
He initially attended St. Frances Academy, where he developed into one of the country’s leading young basketball prospects.
However, Derik eventually became interested in transferring to Montverde Academy in Florida.
The school had established a reputation for developing elite basketball prospects and future NBA players.
Moving to Montverde offered an opportunity to compete against talented athletes every day.
Nevertheless, the decision was difficult for Lisa.
Derik was only 16 years old, and she had raised him as her only child.
Allowing him to move hundreds of miles away represented a major change in their relationship.
According to The Baltimore Banner, Lisa initially resisted the idea.
She was concerned about the distance and the possibility of not being present to guide him through everyday challenges.
However, Derik continued explaining why attending Montverde could help him become a better basketball player.
Lisa eventually visited the school and participated in conversations with its coaches and administrators.
After carefully considering the opportunity, she agreed to allow her son to move.
The decision became an important turning point in his basketball career.
Why Derik Queen’s Mother Was Emotional When He Left Home
In his June 2025 family profile, The Baltimore Banner documented Lisa Anderson’s emotional experience when Derik moved to Florida.
After agreeing to the transfer, she accompanied him to Montverde Academy alongside coach Donnell Dobbins.
They helped him settle into his new environment before returning to Baltimore.
Lisa recalled becoming emotional during the flight home because she was leaving her only child so far away.
The move also proved challenging for Derik.
During his first season at Montverde, he struggled to earn consistent playing time because the school had an exceptionally talented roster.
He also missed his friends, home-cooked meals and familiar surroundings.
Lisa continued encouraging him through regular telephone and video conversations.
She reminded him of the reasons he had chosen to attend Montverde and encouraged him to remain patient.
Gradually, Queen adapted to the demanding environment and became a more confident basketball player.
His mother later acknowledged that the experience had helped him mature.
Although the separation was difficult, she recognized that living independently had prepared him for future challenges.
Does Derik Queen Have Siblings?
No. Derik Queen is an only child, according to his mother, Lisa Anderson.
She confirmed this during a June 25, 2025, interview with The Baltimore Banner while explaining her hesitation about allowing him to attend Montverde Academy in Florida.
Lisa emphasized that Derik was her only child and that she had been closely involved in almost every stage of his upbringing.
Consequently, he does not have any publicly identified biological brothers or sisters.
Although some basketball interviews include references to Queen’s “brothers,” those comments generally concern teammates and close childhood friends rather than biological siblings.
During a June 2024 interview with the University of Maryland, Queen described winning a championship with his brothers as one of his most memorable high school experiences.
The statement referred to the strong relationships he had developed through basketball.
His childhood teammates became particularly important because he did not have siblings growing up at home.
Who Are Derik Queen’s Childhood Friends and Basketball Brothers?
Although Derik Queen is an only child, he developed close relationships with several basketball teammates in Baltimore.
According to The Baltimore Banner, he played youth basketball with a group that included Sarmartine Bogues, Mike Williams, Isaiah Williams, Karim Harris and DJ Dormu.
Many of these friendships developed through Team Thrill, a youth basketball organization with strong connections to Baltimore’s basketball community.
The group spent years practicing, competing in tournaments and traveling together.
Several teammates also attended sleepovers at coach Woody Gunter’s home.
As the players grew older, their relationships continued beyond organized basketball.
The Baltimore Banner reported that members of the group remained connected through a shared messaging group and continued celebrating important personal milestones together.
For Queen, these friendships provided companionship similar to the relationships many young people develop with biological siblings.
The players also supported one another throughout high school and college basketball.
Their shared experiences helped establish the sense of community that Queen frequently credits for his development.
Is Julian Reese Related to Derik Queen?
Julian Reese is not Derik Queen’s biological brother, but the two basketball players share a longstanding friendship.
Both grew up in Baltimore and participated in youth basketball before becoming teammates at the University of Maryland.
According to a January 10, 2025, article published by Maryland Athletics, Reese and Queen first met during elementary school while participating in the Team Thrill AAU basketball program.
They later became teammates at St. Frances Academy.
During the 2020–21 high school season, Reese was a senior while Queen was a freshman.
The pair helped St. Frances finish the regular season undefeated.
Several years later, Queen returned to Maryland for college basketball, giving the friends another opportunity to compete together.
Their reunion became an important storyline during the Terrapins’ successful 2024–25 season.
Although Reese and Queen are not biological relatives, their relationship reflects the close friendships Queen developed while growing up as an only child.
Derik Queen’s Grandmother: Gwendolyn Wiggins
Gwendolyn Wiggins is Derik Queen’s grandmother and another publicly identified member of his family.
Her relationship with the basketball player became widely known during his successful college season at the University of Maryland.
In March 2025, The Baltimore Banner published an article describing an unexpected encounter between reporter Brooks DuBose and Gwendolyn at a Baltimore thrift store.
The reporter was shopping when Gwendolyn noticed that he was wearing University of Maryland clothing.
She asked whether he supported the Terrapins before proudly explaining that her grandson played for the basketball team.
When she revealed that her grandson was Derik Queen, the reporter was surprised.
The encounter occurred shortly before Queen’s memorable performance against Colorado State in the NCAA Tournament.
Gwendolyn expressed pride in her grandson’s development and excitement about Maryland’s success.
The story provided a personal glimpse into the support Queen received from relatives in his hometown.
How Derik Queen’s Grandmother Helped Start His Basketball Career
Derik Queen has credited his grandmother with being present during an early encounter that introduced him to organized basketball.
In a June 20, 2024, interview published by Maryland Athletics, Queen explained that he began playing basketball when he was approximately five or six years old.
He recalled walking with his grandmother when a basketball coach approached them.
The coach noticed Queen’s height and asked about his age.
He then encouraged the young boy to join a basketball program.
According to Queen, that conversation became the beginning of his involvement in organized basketball.
The experience eventually led to years of training, youth competitions and opportunities to develop his abilities.
Although Queen did not provide extensive details about the encounter, his account illustrates how an ordinary moment with his grandmother helped connect him to the sport that would later become his profession.
Derik Queen’s Childhood and Family Background in Baltimore
Derik Queen grew up in Baltimore, Maryland, where basketball became an important part of his daily life.
He spent much of his childhood in the Belair-Edison area of East Baltimore.
According to The Baltimore Banner, Queen frequently played basketball at neighborhood courts, including a park locally known as Goldilocks.
His mother recalled that he often left home with his basketball after school and continued practicing until evening.
The activity provided structure and helped him establish friendships with other young players.
As his skills improved, local coaches began recognizing his potential.
Among the important figures were Woody Gunter, Donnell Dobbins and Henry “Sarge” Powell.
Powell reportedly helped alert Gunter to Queen’s abilities when he was still in elementary school.
Gunter and Dobbins subsequently helped develop his basketball fundamentals through structured training and competitive games.
Although Queen eventually grew into a powerful center, his coaches encouraged him to develop skills usually associated with guards.
They allowed him to handle the basketball, initiate offensive plays and make decisions rather than simply remain near the basket.
Those experiences contributed to the passing ability and creativity that later distinguished him from many traditional centers.
His coaches also emphasized the importance of discipline, preparation and personal responsibility.
The environment helped Queen develop both athletic ability and confidence.
How Did Derik Queen’s Family Influence His Basketball Career?
Derik Queen’s basketball development was shaped by the combined influence of his mother, grandmother, late father and childhood coaches.
His mother provided stability and supported his ambitions, while his grandmother helped connect him to an organized basketball opportunity.
His father’s former friends contributed guidance and coaching experience.
Queen initially attended St. Frances Academy in Baltimore, where he emerged as an outstanding young basketball player.
During his freshman season, he produced several impressive performances, including a 56-point game against Annapolis Area Christian School.
His performances attracted national attention and established him as one of the country’s leading prospects.
However, Queen and his coaches believed that he needed stronger daily competition to continue improving.
He eventually transferred to Montverde Academy in Florida in 2021.
The move was difficult for his mother but provided access to one of the most competitive high school basketball programs in the United States.
At Montverde, Queen played alongside talented athletes who later became prominent NBA prospects, including Cooper Flagg, Liam McNeeley and Asa Newell.
The demanding environment required him to improve his conditioning, decision-making and overall basketball skills.
He eventually became an important member of the Montverde team.
During his senior season, Queen helped the school finish with a perfect 33–0 record and win the 2024 Chipotle Nationals championship.
He also earned recognition as a McDonald’s All-American and shared MVP honors at the 2024 McDonald’s All-American Game.
His success attracted scholarship offers from several major college basketball programs.
Despite receiving interest from universities across the country, Queen ultimately chose the University of Maryland.
The decision allowed him to return closer to his family and hometown.
Why Derik Queen Chose Maryland to Be Close to Home
Derik Queen’s decision to attend the University of Maryland was influenced by both basketball opportunities and his personal connection to Baltimore.
After spending several years at Montverde Academy in Florida, Queen wanted to continue developing his basketball career while representing his home state.
Maryland’s coaching staff, led by Kevin Willard, pursued him throughout the recruiting process.
According to a March 2025 report by The Baltimore Banner, associate head coach David Cox developed a close relationship with Queen’s mother, Lisa Anderson, and his longtime coach Donnell Dobbins.
Both were influential figures in Queen’s college decision.
The recruiting process involved numerous conversations, visits and evaluations.
Although Queen considered several major basketball programs, Maryland offered an opportunity to compete at a high level while maintaining strong connections to his hometown.
He eventually committed to the Terrapins in February 2024.
Queen joined Maryland for the 2024–25 season and immediately became one of the team’s most important players.
His return to the state also allowed family members and childhood friends to attend games more easily.
For a young athlete who had spent three years away from home, the opportunity represented a meaningful stage in his personal development.
Derik Queen’s Breakout Season at Maryland
Derik Queen enjoyed an outstanding freshman season at the University of Maryland during the 2024–25 campaign.
He appeared in 36 games, starting every contest, and averaged 16.5 points, 9.0 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game.
His performances earned Big Ten Freshman of the Year honors and selection to the All-Big Ten First Team.
He also received Associated Press All-America Honorable Mention recognition.
Queen’s combination of strength, footwork, passing ability and confidence quickly attracted attention from NBA scouts.
However, his most memorable college moment occurred during the 2025 NCAA Tournament.
On March 23, 2025, Maryland faced Colorado State in the second round.
With the Terrapins trailing by one point in the final seconds, Queen received the basketball and made a difficult turnaround shot as time expired.
The basket gave Maryland a dramatic 72–71 victory and sent the team to the Sweet Sixteen.
Following the game, Queen was asked how he had developed the confidence to take such an important shot.
He credited his Baltimore upbringing in a response that quickly became popular among Maryland basketball supporters.
The statement reflected his connection to the people and community who had supported him since childhood.
His mother, grandmother and former coaches became part of the wider celebration surrounding the achievement.
The moment also increased national attention on Queen as he prepared for the NBA Draft.
Derik Queen’s Family and His Selection in the 2025 NBA Draft
Following his outstanding freshman season at Maryland, Derik Queen declared for the 2025 NBA Draft.
His decision came after months of increasing attention from scouts and basketball analysts.
Queen participated in pre-draft workouts and continued training with the guidance of his longtime coach Donnell Dobbins.
According to The Baltimore Banner, Dobbins traveled with Queen during parts of the preparation process and helped him focus on improving his conditioning, shooting and footwork.
On June 25, 2025, Queen was selected with the 13th overall pick by the Atlanta Hawks.
However, his draft rights were traded to the New Orleans Pelicans.
The selection made him one of the highest-drafted players in recent University of Maryland history.
He became Maryland’s highest NBA Draft selection since Jalen Smith was chosen tenth overall in 2020.
For Queen, entering the NBA represented the realization of an ambition that began on the neighborhood basketball courts of Baltimore.
His achievement also reflected the contributions of his mother, grandmother, childhood coaches and close friends.
The New Orleans Pelicans subsequently signed him to his rookie contract in July 2025.
During the 2025–26 NBA season, Queen established himself as an important member of the team’s young roster.
He appeared in 81 regular-season games, averaging 11.7 points, 7.1 rebounds and 3.7 assists.
His performances earned him a place on the NBA All-Rookie Second Team.
His successful first professional season demonstrated the progress he had made since leaving Baltimore to attend Montverde Academy.
Derik Queen’s Close Relationship With His Mother
Derik Queen has maintained a particularly close relationship with his mother, Lisa Anderson, throughout his basketball journey.
In her June 2025 interview with The Baltimore Banner, Lisa explained that they had always shared an open relationship based on honesty and trust.
She believed that Derik’s independent personality had been visible since early childhood.
According to Lisa, he learned to perform several everyday activities independently at a young age.
She recalled that he was able to tie his shoes when he was approximately two years old and began preparing his own school lunches while still very young.
Those habits contributed to her confidence in his ability to make responsible decisions as he grew older.
Nevertheless, she remained concerned when he wanted to move to Florida at age 16.
The eventual decision to allow him to attend Montverde represented an important expression of trust.
Queen has continued acknowledging his mother’s influence as his career has progressed.
In September 2026, he appeared on the Cousins podcast hosted by former NBA players Vince Carter and Tracy McGrady.
During the conversation, he discussed his Baltimore upbringing, experiences leaving home and the close relationship he shares with his mother.
He also reflected on the adjustments associated with earning an NBA salary and becoming financially independent.
The interview demonstrated that his mother’s influence remains an important part of his personal story even after reaching the professional level.
Derik Queen’s Family Values and Community Involvement
Derik Queen has repeatedly expressed pride in Baltimore and the people who supported his basketball development.
His connection to the city became particularly visible following his famous game-winning shot against Colorado State in March 2025.
However, his commitment to Baltimore extends beyond public statements.
On June 26, 2025, the University of Maryland announced the creation of the Derik Queen Community Impact Fund.
The initiative was established to provide young people from Baltimore with opportunities to attend Maryland Athletics events.
The fund was made possible through support from donors Diane and John Alahouzos.
According to Maryland Athletics, the initiative was designed to create lasting opportunities for young people from Queen’s hometown.
In a March 2026 university feature, Maryland explained that the fund reflected Queen’s commitment to giving back to the community that had helped raise him.
His interest in community involvement also appeared in his September 2026 interview on the Cousins podcast.
During the conversation, Queen discussed his ambition to open a homeless shelter in the future.
Although the project was described as a personal goal rather than an established facility, it demonstrated his interest in supporting people facing difficult circumstances.
These activities reflect the values of responsibility, respect and service emphasized by his mother and other important figures during his upbringing.
Frequently Asked Questions About Derik Queen’s Family
Who is Derik Queen’s father?
Derik Queen’s father was Erik Queen, a former Baltimore basketball player who died in April 2007 at the age of 24.
Who is Derik Queen’s mother?
Derik Queen’s mother is Lisa Anderson. She raised him as an only child following his father’s death and supported his development from youth basketball in Baltimore to the NBA.
How did Derik Queen’s father die?
Erik Queen died in April 2007 after being shot in Baltimore, Maryland. Derik was approximately two years old at the time.
Does Derik Queen have siblings?
No. Derik Queen is an only child, according to his mother, Lisa Anderson, who confirmed this during a June 2025 interview with The Baltimore Banner.
Does Derik Queen have a brother?
Derik Queen has no publicly identified biological brothers. However, he developed close friendships with childhood basketball teammates whom he considers like brothers.
Does Derik Queen have a sister?
No. His mother has publicly confirmed that he is her only child, and no biological sisters have been identified in reliable reporting.
Who is Derik Queen’s grandmother?
Derik Queen’s grandmother is Gwendolyn Wiggins, who was featured in a March 2025 article published by The Baltimore Banner.
Who raised Derik Queen?
Derik Queen was primarily raised by his mother, Lisa Anderson, with additional support from relatives and childhood basketball coaches, including Woody Gunter and Donnell Dobbins.
Does Derik Queen have a girlfriend?
As of now, Derik Queen has not publicly confirmed a current girlfriend, and his romantic relationship status remains private.
Is Derik Queen married?
There is no reliable public confirmation that Derik Queen is married.
Does Derik Queen have children?
There are no publicly confirmed reports indicating that Derik Queen has sons or daughters.
Where was Derik Queen born?
Derik Queen was born on December 27, 2004, in Baltimore, Maryland, United States.
What is Derik Queen’s full name?
His full name is Derik Emanuel Queen.
How old is Derik Queen?
Derik Queen is 21 years old as of now, having been born on December 27, 2004.
Is Derik Queen related to Julian Reese?
No biological relationship has been established between Derik Queen and Julian Reese. They are longtime friends and former teammates at St. Frances Academy and the University of Maryland.
Which high school did Derik Queen attend?
Derik Queen attended St. Frances Academy in Baltimore before transferring to Montverde Academy in Florida.
Which college did Derik Queen attend?
Derik Queen attended the University of Maryland, where he played during the 2024–25 season and earned Big Ten Freshman of the Year honors.
When was Derik Queen drafted into the NBA?
Derik Queen was selected with the 13th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft by the Atlanta Hawks, who traded his draft rights to the New Orleans Pelicans.
Which NBA team does Derik Queen play for?
Derik Queen plays for the New Orleans Pelicans, who acquired his rights during the 2025 NBA Draft.
Pedro Salcas is a dedicated sports journalist and NBA specialist focused on team strategy, player performance, and league news. Tracking action across the Eastern and Western Conferences, he breaks down complex game tape, roster moves, and statistics into clear, engaging analysis. From preseason storylines to deep playoff runs, Pedro brings a sharp analytical perspective and passion for basketball to keep readers informed on everything happening in the NBA.
