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UNC Basketball Battling Pitt's Duke Alum for Derek Dixon

The top-tier four-star now has UNC basketball and two more ACC schools in his final four for decision day.

Matt Giles

UNC basketball recruiting target Derek Dixon
UNC basketball recruiting target Derek Dixon / Katie Goodale / USA TODAY NETWORK
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On Friday evening, 247Sports' Adam Finkelstein reported that Gonzaga College High School (D.C.) four-star guard Derek Dixon will announce his decision at 3 p.m. ET next Friday, his 18th birthday. Back in late July, UNC basketball head coach Hubert Davis and his staff landed in the surging senior prospect's top six, along with Vanderbilt, Arizona, Syracuse, Virginia, and Pitt.

"I've developed a good relationship with Coach Davis and Coach [Jeff] Lebo," Dixon, a 6-foot-3, 190-pound crafty backcourt sensation who ranks No. 47 overall on the 247Sports 2025 Composite, recently told 247Sports' Dushawn London, "and they're preaching they need a replacement for RJ Davis and potentially Elliot Cadeau if he goes pro."

According to Finkelstein, the Tar Heels are now in Dixon's final four, along with Virginia, Vanderbilt, and Pitt, heading into the final week of his recruitment.

Speaking of Pitt, it sounds like Panthers head coach Jeff Capel, a former Duke basketball guard and longtime assistant for UNC's archrival, now stands as the top threat to Davis in the Derek Dixon sweepstakes.

There are no 247Sports Crystal Ball picks for Dixon just yet. The same goes for the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine.

But as of last week, the Rivals FutureCast contains one expert forecast, and it points to Capel and his crew coming out on top.

"I've had a great relationship with them," Dixon noted to London about the Pitt staff, "and they were my first visit and high-major offer...They've been recruiting me for a while and have been preaching that they can see me fitting in and playing a big role like their two freshmen did this past season..."

Dixon, a standout for Team Takeover in Nike EYBL action throughout the spring and summer, was in Chapel Hill for his UNC basketball official visit two weeks ago. The Tar Heels, looking for their first 2025 prize, ended up being the last suitor to host him.

ALSO READ: UNC Coach Drops By for Elite Prep Ahead of List Cut

Stay tuned to North Carolina Tar Heels On SI for more UNC basketball news.

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Matt Giles

MATT GILES

Matt Giles is the editor and publisher of North Carolina Tar Heels on SI, Duke Blue Devils on SI, and NC State Wolfpack on SI, making him a key source for comprehensive coverage of these storied college basketball programs. Since joining UNC on SI in 2023, Matt has been dedicated to providing in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive content on all three teams. He covers everything from game previews and recaps to player profiles and recruiting updates. Matt's expert knowledge of these teams has made his work a go-to resource for fans and followers of Duke, NC State, and UNC. As publisher, he shapes the editorial direction, ensuring that the most relevant and timely information reaches his audience.

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