Maryland basketball hitting a familiar recruiting spot for a 7-footer who studies Derik Queen
The latest from the Maryland basketball recruiting trail.
Maryland basketball has prioritized nearby Mt. Zion Prep on its recruiting agenda lately and it's paid off. Last year, Kevin Willard signed Mt. Zion standout Malachi Palmer, a promising prospect serving an apprenticeship role as a freshman. Their lone Class of 2026 commitment, Chris Jeffrey, just finished a dream senior season at the Lanham private school. And there's another one in the pipeline.
Favor Ibe, a 7-footer in the Class of 2026, has risen on Maryland's Wishlist this season. They've seen a lot of him because the Jeffrey connection and they like what they've seen.
"They've been pretty clear that they want for me to be a part of their 26-27 rosters. So, it's cool," said Ibe, the No. 12 center and No. 106 prospect in 247Sports' Class of 2026 rankings.
Mt. Zion Prep's season ended Tuesday with a loss to Vermont Academy in the Sweet 16 of the. Jeffrey was te Elite P. They went 26-5, powered by Jeffrey's 25.8 points, 5.2 assists and four rebounds per game. won player of the year and tournament MVP honors from the .
"We lost at the national championship today. But overall, this season went very well because we won our regular season championship," Ibe said. "I made a championship first team. I don't remember what I averaged, but I made the first team for the championship."
The 7-1, 235-pound Ibe is also being recruited by Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Florida State, Georgetown, USC, Georgia and Louisville.
"Louisville because my brother [reserve center Frank Anselem-Ibe] plays for Louisville," Ibe said.
"I like Maryland and they're recruiting me. Sometimes, I just go to watch Derik Queen. And sometimes I go because Christian's committed. And sometimes because it would be a nice place to go," Ibe said.
His self-scouting report?
"I block shots. I catch a lot of lobs. I have a good percentage from the free throw line, good presence," he said.
He's being recruited by assistant coach Kevin Norris.
"He's cool. His song goes to my school. So yeah, he's been there a couple times. He's got a good energy. He's got good spirit."
Ibe moved here from Nigeria in December 2023.
"It's been very good. I had to adjust some kind of stuff, like the weather, the food, the people, but so far, it's been a good learning experience," he said. "It's just different from back home. Here it's more fast food but I'm just getting used t it."
Ibe been a frequent visitor this season at Xfinity Center, going to games against Rutgers, Michigan State, Iowa and Ohio State. He studies Queen closely.
"Yeah, a lot of it. Lot of it, like his touches, his reads, he's patient around the basket," he said. "You know, his decision-making skills. Basically, I just try to take everything I can."
