Juju Reese’s NBA career looked to be far from a sure thing. But in the last week, he has exploded onto the scene, nearly recording a double-double on Tuesday.
In his second NBA start in two days, Reese played 33 minutes in the Washington Wizards’ 126-109 loss to the Orlando Magic. Reese shot 4-of-6 from the field and 1-of-4 from the free throw line to finish with nine points, eight rebounds, three assists, one turnover and three fouls in 33 minutes of play.
The former Maryland men’s basketball player went undrafted in the 2025 NBA Draft. After spending the summer with the Los Angeles Lakers and much of the G-League season with the Toronto Raptors’ affiliate team, Reese was traded to the Wizards and signed to a two-way contract.
Reese became the first Wizards rookie to debut by starting a non-season opener since at least the 1976-77 ABA-NBA merger.
On Monday, he had three steals, the third-most by a center in their NBA debut ever. He finished his 28 minutes of playing time with two points, four rebounds, three steals, four turnovers and six fouls.
With star big man Anthony Davis shut down for the season, center Alex Sarr considered week-to-week due to injury, and forwards Tristan Vukcevic and Anthony Gill day-to-day with injuries, opportunities for Reese will likely continue through the final six weeks of the regular season.
In other news
Maryland women’s basketball is headed to the Big Ten Tournament, and Ben Messinger recapped the season so far. The Terps also had four players named All-Big Ten honorees. Max Schaeffer had the story.
Maryland tennis has surged up the rankings both as individuals and as a team.
Maryland men’s basketball took a look at four-star class of 2028 forward Xavier Skipworth.
Maryland baseball’s Bud Coombs is ranked among the nation’s best as a hitter early in the season.
Former Maryland football star Dick Absher died Feb. 25.