2025 will be known as the year of ‘Crab Five’ in Maryland’s history books. Highest ranking since 2020, 7 wins off 8 games to enter March Madness, and a first trip to Sweet 16 in nearly a decade– one of the finest starting lineups in the nation did that. But if you ask head coach Kevin Willard, one of them hasn’t been spoken about enough (or at least until now). One whom he calls his ‘safety blanket’— Julian Reese. “At any time I feel confident I can come down, throw him the basketball, and he has been as consistent as any big guy in this league all year,” the coach says. Someone was flashing a bright smile miles apart; a prediction had come true. No, it wasn’t one by the Terrapins.

In leading the program to its first Sweet 16 since 2016, Maryland’s domination in paint played a huge part. A major contributor there alongside Derik Queen? Julian Reese. Now that name has been popping up for a reason here. Ring any bells?

How deep is the ‘Reese’ connection?

Yes, the first thought in your mind is right. The last name is of another basketball star – ‘Bayou Barbie’ Angel Reese. But are they even remotely related? Yes, they are rather directly related, as Julian Reese is Angel Reese’s younger brother. The 6 ft 9 senior forward is looking to make a name for himself and already has the last name famous in the basketball circuit.

The Baltimore natives are only separated by a year in age. Angel Reese is 22 years old, and Julian Reese is 21 (as of March 2025). The Terrapin himself revealed the relation after a close win over Colorado in the second round. “I know she’s probably going crazy on my phone still right now. But as far as the rebounding that runs in the family, I think it’s just a heart thing,” he said after the double-double performance against the Colorado State Rams.

He had put up 15 points that game, and his 11 rebounds accounted for his career 1000th. That’s a skill Angel is familiar with. A former Terrapin herself, she set the WNBA rookie record in rebounds with 418 and led Unrivaled with a 12.1 average. It is not just some coincidence. Coach Willard believes that growing up playing together has had that impact. “I would probably say playing one-on-one with Angel all those years. They both have tremendous motors, and they’re both highly competitive,” he said. Would be a surprise if they weren’t.

The duo grew up around basketball. No, we aren’t just limiting it to these two, but the entire family. Michael and Angel Webb Reese, their parents, were both college basketball stars. Their mom played for the University of Maryland before going professional in Luxembourg, while Michael played for Boston College, Loyola University in Maryland, and later, overseas. Angel hasn’t been shy of giving credit where it’s due. She admitted previously that attending her mom’s games as a kid was a huge inspiration, and only natural it ran down through the family.

Their parents may have been separated, but the love for the game and the competition never stopped in the household. “We had a basketball court in front of our house, and it was always very competitive and intense. We played all the time together. It helped shape me to who I am now,” Angel admitted in 2022. Now, here they are.

As Julian made 12 points and 8 rebounds in his first Sweet 16 game, his sister and mother sat courtside, cheering him on. She even adorned a customised jacket that read “Juju [Julian] sister.” After the season he has had, much in line with her tweet back in October, it only made sense the Chi-Town Barbie was in attendance.

Angel Reese predicted the season for Julian

Julian Reese was also a top player out of high school. He was a four-star recruit and the No. 60 overall player in 2020. And now after four seasons with the side, Julian Reese’s numbers are impressive, putting the Maryland side back on the map. His performance against Colorado, made him just the second Terp to cross the 1,000-rebound threshold. “We just play the game with so much intensity and just wear our feelings on our sleeve and try to play our hardest,” Julian said, comparing his game with big sister.

He finished the season averaging 13.3 points, 1.5 blocks, and 9.1 rebounds — leading the team in latter two. Coach Willard is as proud as he can get. But surely, none will be more than Angel Reese.

“My brother is going to have a great year. i’m calling it now,” the Chicago Sky star had tweeted before the season started. And as he continued adding moments to stand by it, like the dunk against Minnesotta, or his monster double-double against Illinois, Angel applauded through it all. So, Julian is Angel’s younger brother and she isn’t letting anyone forget that or the talents that run through the family, even for a minute.