All Tar Heels

UNC Basketball Coaches Watch New Target Display Unselfishness

With UNC basketball recruiters on hand, Derek Dixon cooked in all aspects of his game.

Matt Giles

UNC basketball head coach Hubert Davis
UNC basketball head coach Hubert Davis / Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
In this story:

Three weeks after receiving an offer from UNC basketball head coach Hubert Davis, it appears that Derek Dixon, a creative playmaker at Gonzaga College High School in Washington, D.C., has captured more of the Tar Heels' attention at this week's NBPA Top 100 Camp in Orlando.

ALSO READ: Physical Forward Herly Brutus Wants Tar Heel Offer

According to Relentless Hoops' Trent Markwith, UNC basketball coaches were among several powerhouse recruiting teams and others sitting courtside on Tuesday afternoon to scout — and to make appearances in recruiting battles, no doubt — the abundance of top-tier talent in a contest Dixon put his full repertoire as a floor general and sharpshooter on display.

Dixon finished the game with 22 points, seven rebounds, 12 assists, and three steals.

The 6-foot-3, 190-pound four-star's "unselfishness" as a facilitator and instincts as a bucket-getter drew high praise from Phenom Hoops' Patrick O'Brien afterward. Here's a snippet of O'Brien's takeaways from Dixon's standout play:

"Dixon really impressed me with his overall feel, being a valuable asset all over the court for his team. [He] played under control, with a great pace, let plays develop, and really showcased his unselfishness and ability to find teammates...[He] didn’t force much with his shots, driving and kicking on several occasions for open shots. Off the ball, he was just as effective, finding open spots and knocking down shots with range. Really good showing in this game."

It's a safe bet the UNC basketball eyes in attendance are now even more delighted to have Dixon, still a relatively hidden gem at No. 61 overall on the 247Sports 2025 Composite, on their list of potential prizes. And judging by the rising high school senior's comments after landing the offer from Hubert Davis, the Tar Heels are squarely in the mix for his increasingly coveted services.

"Playing for a storied program like UNC would be great," Dixon told Zagsblog's Charlie Parent. "They play in a great conference and are historically one of the best teams in the country year after year, so being recruited by a school like that is awesome."

RELATED: UNC Head Coach Shows Up Courtside for No. 1 Center

Published
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.

Home/Basketball