The biggest question for any athlete moving from one level to the next is how quickly his or her game will translate.
For Julian Reese, at least for one night against the Utah Jazz on March 5, there was no question.
The same hard work that defined his time with Maryland men’s basketball showed up right away. Reese grabbed 20 rebounds, setting the mark for the most rebounds by any rookie this season and the most by a Washington Wizards rookie since 1993.
Back in front of his family. Back in the DMV. But this time, it wasn’t in a Maryland uniform.
“Being able to be called up by my hometown is just surreal,” Reese said on Glenn Clark Radio March 19. “Just a great feeling. … It’s just a blessing.”
After four seasons with the Terps, Reese is now beginning the next chapter of his career, adjusting to the speed, expectations and consistency required at the NBA level. The 6-foot-9, 252-pound forward is working to establish himself on the roster while navigating limited opportunities early on.
At Maryland, Reese built his reputation as a consistent interior presence, averaging 11.1 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 26.4 minutes across 134 career games while earning three-time All-Big Ten Honorable Mention selections.
Reese’s path back to the DMV was not linear. He signed as an undrafted free agent with the Los Angeles Lakers ahead of NBA Summer League and then signed with the Toronto Raptors ahead of the 2025-26 season to play for their G League affiliate. In late February, he signed a two-way contract with the Wizards, splitting time between the NBA roster and their G League affiliate, the Capital City Go-Go.
So far, Reese has appeared in six NBA games as he continues to adjust to the demands of the league, and he is already showing flashes of what made him a force in College Park. The 20-rebound game put him on the radar, and on March 25, he posted 26 points and 17 rebounds against the Utah Jazz for good measure.
“I just try to be level-headed. I just try to trust the grind,” Reese said. “At the end of the day, God had a plan for me.”
That mindset has been key as he works to establish himself in a league that rewards those who consistently deliver and separates those who can sustain performance from those who cannot.
“I feel like in this league, it’s more about consistency,” Reese said. “If I’m able to do that, I’m going to be able to stick in this league.”
The transition has also meant redefining his role. At Maryland, Reese was a focal point. At the next level, he is learning how to impact the game in ways that do not always come with touches or plays designed for him.
That shift has required more attention to detail, from studying film to understanding spacing and recognizing where he fits within an offense built around star talent.
One of the clearest signs of Reese’s development has come at the free throw line, where confidence has replaced hesitation.
“I feel like my growth … has a lot to do with the mental side of it,” Reese said. “Thinking less and being more confident in the ball.”
That same simplicity carries over to the rest of his game.
“Just play my game and everything will work out,” Reese said. “That’s what everybody told me.”
Reese has also leaned on veterans early in his time in the NBA. Star point guard Trae Young has helped guide him through the early stages of his career.
“Trae has been a great leader … very vocal,” Reese said. “He’s just been a great connector and leader for us.”
Even as he adjusts to the professional level, Reese takes pride in his Baltimore roots and has not lost sight of where he came from.
“Just putting the DMV’s talents on notice,” he said. “Seeing guys from this area play at the highest level … it’s great for the community.”
His journey is just beginning, and while the numbers have already made a statement, Reese knows what will ultimately define his place in the league.
“I’m just going to keep playing and getting better at basketball … just try to do whatever I can and do whatever it takes for the team to win,” Reese said.
For more from Reese, listen to the full interview here:
Photo Credit: NBA Photos