On a UNC basketball roster filled with talent, Caleb Wilson and Henri Veesaar get most of the chatter. You hear plenty about senior captain Seth Trimble, while Luka Bogavac is discussed regularly.
What about Derek Dixon? A freshman point guard from just outside of Washington, D.C., Dixon is quietly becoming a crucial part of the Tar Heels’ future.
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Despite North Carolina’s 76-61 loss at Duke on Saturday, Dixon showed out with a career-high 17 points. Dixon thrived in particular from deep, nailing five of his eight 3-point attempts, while making both free throws.
Dixon led UNC in scoring, which also enjoyed double-digit nights from Henri Veesaar (11 points), Jarin Stevenson (10) and Seth Trimble (10). Blue Devils superstar Cameron Boozer won the scoring battle, though, taking over with 26 points.
Saturday wasn’t Dixon’s first big moment this season. Back on December 2, Dixon took over late in a 67-64 road upset of Kentucky. The following game, Dixon scored 14 points in a win against Georgetown.
Needing more backcourt production, Tar Heels head coach Hubert Davis swapped Dixon in for Kyan Evans, who transferred in from Colorado State. This decision proved a major boost to North Carolina’s offense, with Dixon adding more of a dynamic playmaking ability.
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With an injury-riddled roster, highlighted by Wilson’s season-ending injury, UNC needs guys like Dixon to continue stepping up. The Tar Heels’ depth will be tested come postseason play, particularly in the NCAA Tournament, but they luckily have a point guard like Dixon to continue leading the offense.
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This article originally appeared on Tar Heels Wire: UNC point guard Derek Dixon scores career-high 17 points at Duke
