Basketball can be ruthless. Players put in the hard work, dedicate themselves to their craft, and just when recognition seems inevitable, they find themselves overlooked. That’s exactly what happened to Maryland star Julian Reese, a key defensive presence for the Terrapins. His absence from the Big Ten All-Defensive Team selection shocked many, including his sister, WNBA star Angel Reese, who was vocal about her disbelief.
Julian Reese snubbed for the all-defensive team.
— Jeff Ermann (@Jeff_Ermann) March 11, 2025
For those who have followed Maryland basketball this season, Julian’s defensive impact has been impossible to ignore. He has been a dominant force in the paint, blocking shots, securing rebounds, and locking down some of the toughest opponents in the Big Ten. When the conference announced its All-Defensive Team selections, his exclusion left many questioning the decision.
Maryland basketball insider Jeff Ermann took to social media to highlight the snub, expressing his surprise at Julian’s omission. While snubs are not uncommon in sports, this one felt particularly personal for fans of the Reese siblings.
Julian has remained loyal to Maryland throughout his collegiate career. When he joined in 2021, the program was in turmoil—his recruiting assistant coach left, and shortly after, head coach Mark Turgeon stepped down. Many players in his position might have transferred, but Julian stayed committed, adapting to new leadership under Kevin Willard in 2022. That same year, his sister, Angel, made the decision to transfer to LSU, yet Julian chose to continue representing Maryland, believing in the potential of the team and the coaching staff.
Even Maryland’s head coach, Kevin Willard, has spoken highly of Julian’s contributions, stating that he believes Julian’s jersey will one day be retired by the university. Willard praised him for his dedication and leadership, emphasizing that his commitment to the program in an era of frequent transfers is rare. Julian has also been instrumental in the development of younger players, including freshman standout Derik Queen, whom he has mentored throughout the season.
Julian’s numbers this season further reinforce his defensive prowess. He averaged 13.2 points per game while shooting 55.5% from the field. Additionally, he significantly improved his free-throw shooting, raising his percentage from 53% last season to 74.1%. He recorded 14 double-doubles, including a standout performance with 27 points and 17 rebounds against Illinois. In conference play, he ranked second in the Big Ten in rebounds and third in blocks—statistics that strongly support an All-Defensive Team selection.
Despite these accomplishments, the Big Ten’s postseason awards failed to recognize his defensive efforts. Instead, Penn State’s Ace Baldwin was named Defensive Player of the Year, while Julian received only an All-Big Ten honorable mention.
Angel Reese, known for being her brother’s biggest supporter, was quick to express her disappointment. She has always been vocal about Julian’s talent, regularly cheering for him at games and hyping him up on social media. Just days before the snub, she celebrated his senior day, proudly declaring herself his number-one fan.
This is not the first time the Reese family has faced a defensive award snub. Angel experienced a similar situation in the WNBA last season when she led the league in rebounds with an impressive 13.1 per game, yet was left off the WNBA All-Defensive Team. Her omission sparked widespread debate among fans and analysts.
While Julian has not publicly dwelled on the disappointment, his sister continues to push for the recognition she believes he deserves. Angel has been his most dedicated supporter, predicting before the season started that he would have a breakout year. True to her words, Julian delivered exceptional performances, including a dominant game with 27 points, 17 rebounds, and 3 blocks in a win over Illinois.
Their close bond is deeply rooted in their upbringing in Baltimore, where basketball was a family tradition. Their parents and grandmother all played the sport, and Angel has often credited their mother’s influence as a major source of inspiration. Julian, too, has embraced the family’s basketball legacy, emerging as a leader for Maryland.
Angel has always been there to celebrate her brother’s milestones. When he reached a historic achievement by becoming just the eighth player in Maryland’s history to record 1,100 points and 800 rebounds, she proudly shared the news.
Watching Julian get overlooked despite his efforts and contributions has been a tough pill to swallow, but Angel is determined to keep reminding the world of his greatness. While the snub is disappointing, Julian is likely to use it as motivation to continue proving himself on the court.