Arizona men's basketball has secured a commitment from former North Carolina guard Derek Dixon, marking their second transfer acquisition on the same day. Dixon, a 6-foot-5 player, averaged 6.5 points and 2.7 assists during his freshman season with the Tar Heels.
GREENVILLE, SOUTH CAROLINA - MARCH 19: Derek Dixon #3 of the North Carolina Tar Heels reacts to a 3-pointer during the first half against the VCU Rams in the first round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena on March 19, 2026 in Greenville, South Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) | Getty Images
It turned out pretty good the last time Arizona added a transfer guard from North Carolina. Maybe lightning will strike twice.
The Wildcats have gotten a commitment from former UNC guard Derek Dixon, their second transfer pickup on Monday alongside ex-Washington guard JJ Mandaquit.
The 6-foot-5 Dixon played 33 games for the Tar Heels as a freshman in 2025-26, starting 16, and averaged 6.5 points, 2.3 rebounds and 2.7 assists. He made 39.7 percent of his 3-point shots and 81.8 percent of his free throws
Dixon scored in double figures seven times, including a career-high 17 at Duke in the regular season finale when he made 5 of 8 from 3. He had 11 points, five rebounds and six assists in UNCās NCAA Tournament first round loss to VCU.
Arizona has a big hole to fill with the graduation of Big 12 Player of the Year Jaden Bradley. Dixon and Mandaquit join incoming 5-star freshman Caleb Holt and redshirt freshman Bryce James in the backcourt, but the Wildcats are likely to add more guards this offseason.
Dixon is the third transfer in the past four years to move between Arizona and UNC. The UA added Caleb Love in 2023-24 and he went on to win Pac-12 Player of the Year that season, while ex-Wildcat Henri Veesaar played for the Tar Heels in 2025-26.
Derek Dixon averaged 6.5 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 2.7 assists in 33 games during his freshman season at North Carolina.
Arizona recruited Derek Dixon to enhance their roster with a skilled guard who previously played in the NCAA tournament and showed strong shooting percentages.
Alongside Derek Dixon, Arizona also welcomed former Washington guard JJ Mandaquit as part of their recent transfer acquisitions.
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