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D.J. Burns is OFFICIALLY BACK!

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Well, it’s OFFICIAL. D.J Burns will be returning to NC State for his final year of collegiate eligibility!

 

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A post shared by DJ Burns / BIG 30♨️ (@dj.b30)

This confirms everything I’d been hearing about the return of Burns. Burns was the key to the Wolfpack offense running effectively this past year. He averaged 12.5 points and 4.8 rebounds per game in 2022-23, but he elevated his game in ACC play, averaging 16.1 points and 5.6 rebounds in conference games.

Burns is celebrating his return to run with the Wolfpack by dropping his own Big 30 merch. Go over and snag something.

Matthew is Co-Owner of Pack Insider. He writes for all sports, with a focus on football and recruiting, and is in charge of business strategy. He is an NC State alum who majored in business. Matthew is also the lead pastor of The Point Church in Cary, NC.

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Papajohn
Papajohn
3 months ago

O’Connell is on campus (6/22) and Woods will be there Monday. (6/26)

Papajohn
Papajohn
3 months ago

Do we have a final roster yet???? My understanding is that everyone is on campus and participating in the workouts except Woods and O’Connell. Woods just signed and in his interview said he is definitely planning to be here for second summer session, which starts June 26. (For grins, someone on the PP board predicted that “if Woods gets the wavier, I predict he’ll be starting by mid season.”) Now that sports betting is legal, I’ll bet he doesn’t get that wavier. I heard O’Connell was 22 credits away from graduating and was going to try to get it done… Read more »

Last edited 3 months ago by Papajohn
Afterglow
Afterglow
3 months ago

Well, that didn’t take too long. Welcome to the Pack, Kam Woods!!!

Last edited 3 months ago by Afterglow
Afterglow
Afterglow
3 months ago

NC State 2023 signee Trey Parker reclassifying to 2024. Heard this one before.

Papajohn
Papajohn
3 months ago
Reply to  Afterglow

You wonder if he was going to be able to get minutes. If so, where? We have 4 guards who are seasoned starters on P6 teams, (Morsell (started 70 games), Horne (107), Taylor (42), O’Connell (76)) Rice is KK’s top recruit ever, you know he’s going to get every opportunity for minutes at the 2, 3, or 4, and will likely start eventually if he’s as good as his clippings say. And if Thomas continues last season’s trajectory, he’ll get plenty of minutes as well, I hope. The harsh reality is, you never can predict accurately, but we probably already… Read more »

Last edited 3 months ago by Papajohn
Papajohn
Papajohn
4 months ago

I admit it, I am not a Celtics fan. To me, they are the UNC of the NBA.
So I am really enjoying their series against the Heat. Making it even better is seeing former Pack players Caleb Martin and Omar Yurtseven playing for the Heat. Caleb played 35 minutes and scored 18 pts yesterday.

Papajohn
Papajohn
4 months ago

With Casey back, the five returning players should be locked inFreshman Dennis Parker Jr is on campusTransfers Taylor, Horne, Middlebrooks and Rice are on campusO’Connell has 22 credits to complete his econ degree this summer, so he’ll probably be at Stanford all summerNot sure about Diarra, but transfers usually show upWill Trey Parker show up? No reason to think he won’t, but it’s happened before. He’s a heck of a talent. I think that’s our only question mark

Last edited 4 months ago by Papajohn
Papajohn
Papajohn
4 months ago

Isn’t about time for Joey’s rant on how good, or bad, the new Pack basketball lineup is?

Afterglow
Afterglow
4 months ago
Reply to  Papajohn

Yep. It’s been too quiet. Also, in other news, Morsell is back for his senior year. Great news in my opinion. I can see him really blooming into a quiet yet powerful player next season.

Papajohn
Papajohn
4 months ago
Reply to  Afterglow

Casey had career highs in almost every major category last season. I agree, he should have a really good year. I’d like to see him get more aggressive at creating his own shot.

Papajohn
Papajohn
4 months ago
Reply to  Afterglow

moved

Last edited 4 months ago by Papajohn
Papajohn
Papajohn
4 months ago

O’Connell signed! We’ve got our point guard. He’s played three seasons, so should have two if he wants them.
Outstanding get for the team. Not a big scorer, but we are loaded with scorers, we just needed someone to lead the team.
He’s started 76 games at Stanford, so will be one of the most experienced players on the team, only behind Burns, Morsell, and Horne. Just what you need in a PG.

Afterglow
Afterglow
4 months ago
Reply to  Papajohn

NICE! I was hoping for that sort of news. YEEEEEESSSSSSSS!

Afterglow
Afterglow
4 months ago
Reply to  Afterglow

3.1 assists on just under 26 mpg. Considering the fact a game is 40 minutes, those numbers could go up.

Papajohn
Papajohn
4 months ago
Reply to  Afterglow

I think you are absolutely right, he’ll get more minutes at a faster pace which should result in his assist numbers rising. And he’s got a big man in the middle with outstanding hands who will score on 50+% of his attempts.
A younger PG might need time to adapt to the speed of the college game, or the physicality, but O’Connell shouldn’t have that problem.

SorryIamafan
SorryIamafan
4 months ago
Reply to  Papajohn

We have eight guards. What are we going to do, have two shifts of four guards and one center. We needed small and power forwards. But now we have two tokens instead of one.

Papajohn
Papajohn
4 months ago
Reply to  SorryIamafan

Not sure I’m following you.
We have three guys who call themselves PG, O’Connell, Thomas and Pass.
We have two guys who are definitely centers, Burns and Middlebrooks.
We have two big guys that see themselves as PF, Ross and Dialla.
Then we have Horne, Taylor, Morsell, Rice, Parker, and Parker to play the SG & SF.
And then we have lots of flexibility to swap in and out across the SG, SF, and PF depending on the matchup and who’s playing well.

Afterglow
Afterglow
4 months ago
Reply to  Papajohn

Don’t follow either. I think we have all the pieces now. A point guard was what we’re were looking for and point guard is what we got.

SorryIamafan
SorryIamafan
4 months ago

Better try to get the kid out of Tennessee (Phillips – small forward to replace no one in particular).

Afterglow
Afterglow
4 months ago

And… Isaiah Miranda enters the transfer portal. SMH!!! Can we get one stinking break!!!!!!!!!!

Papajohn
Papajohn
4 months ago
Reply to  Afterglow

I was disappointed too, but all the evidence makes you wonder how good he was. He never got into a game, even with the walk-ons? His HS rank would make you assume he had to be better than Ebe, but when Dusan went down, Ebe was the backup. Weird. Obviously, he isn’t going pro, we’ll see what he does elsewhere. He certainly looked athletic for a 7′ player during warmups. But, we have a chance to get a real PG. Let’s see if the staff can find someone. I’ll bet the staff has been working on this since Bradley fell… Read more »

Last edited 4 months ago by Papajohn
Afterglow
Afterglow
4 months ago
Reply to  Papajohn

Good points. I would have thought we would have seen some playing time from him and nothing. I kept waiting. Maybe this will make more sense as time goes on, or maybe this will be the one that got away.

While I don’t think having Miranda was stopping us (because we obviously still had a scholarship left) unless I’m missing something, I do agree, let’s go grab us a good point guard! Honestly, I think that’s going to be the difference maker. Get me a good point guard and I’ll be like, Miranda who?

Last edited 4 months ago by Afterglow
Afterglow
Afterglow
4 months ago
Reply to  Afterglow

Sound as if you’re right, Papajohn. We now have one remaining scholarship and we are looking for a point guard, according to PackPride VIP. Still think something would have opened up somehow had Miranda not transferred. Seems like it should have once Dusan left.

Papajohn
Papajohn
4 months ago
Reply to  Afterglow

Rumor has it we are trying to lock down a kid named Michael O’Connell from Stanford. Three years playing Pac12 competition would be welcome. He was their starting PG last season, started 28 games. Not a big scorer, only 5.2 ppg, but 3.1 apg, 13 games with 4 or more assists, and 12 assists in one game.

Last edited 4 months ago by Papajohn
SorryIamafan
SorryIamafan
4 months ago
Reply to  Afterglow

Yeah, like try playing with 5 guards and see where are get. No where is my answer. We need small and power forwards on this team and try something besides high pick and roll every time down the court.

Afterglow
Afterglow
4 months ago
Reply to  SorryIamafan

I think one of the reasons we play high pick and roll and a lot of iso is because KK’s offense works best under a team that has a formidable point guard. Look no further than when he had Markell Johnson. That is why we need a point guard. In my opinion, we have all the other parts.

SorryIamafan
SorryIamafan
4 months ago
Reply to  Afterglow

Not with KK as coach. Look at all the players that he has recruited that never stepped on the court.

Papajohn
Papajohn
4 months ago

We have ramped up our pursuit of a guard in the 24 hours since Bradley signed. Shemarri Allen, and Kyron Gibson are on our radar. I get the feeling the staff knows they are going to have a scholarship to give. With Bradley, I thought if someone with his potential decided to sign, we’d figure it out and make it work. But now it feels more like we’re looking for a PG, and filling a scholarship that has yet to open up. Allen grew up in NC. Only one year eligible. Made league All Defensive team last season. Gibson is… Read more »

Afterglow
Afterglow
4 months ago
Reply to  Papajohn

Interesting. I do get the sense we are not done and PG is our main focus.

Afterglow
Afterglow
4 months ago

Well? Guess that ends that debate. Arizona lands Bradley.

Papajohn
Papajohn
4 months ago
Reply to  Afterglow

That reinforces my theory that the last place they visit frequently seals the deal.

Afterglow
Afterglow
4 months ago

Memphis’ Tiger’s Basketball Insider has an article titled, “Should Memphis be worried Jaden Bradley might soon commit elsewhere?” Can’t access the article but found it interesting. I know Arizona has been in the mix, so there’s that.

Afterglow
Afterglow
4 months ago

PackPride has some intel on Jaden Bradley on “Hoop Scoop” but it’s VIP. My guess is, if it were anything big, we’d know more.

Rev
Rev
4 months ago

Two points: First Yes we absolutely need a point guard. Joiner showed that the “coach on the floor” is the key to success even with veterans playing. I think Bradley is working with his accountants and publicists to coordinate his announcement with Memphis and Hardaway. Second: There will always be a contingent of State “fans” who are Keatts haters. A couple of guys that were regulars here still show up on other sites with truly venomous remarks about Keatts and even our own players. I try not to respond but the temptation is there. FINALLY: I miss Howler. Hope he… Read more »

wolfpack74
wolfpack74
4 months ago

Great, now get in the best shape you can. It was obvious that playing in Denver did not helping your pro stock.

SorryIamafan
SorryIamafan
4 months ago
Reply to  wolfpack74

He could hardly breathe after two trips up and back.

Papajohn
Papajohn
4 months ago

Okay, just so you know, I’m OFFICIALLY BACK!!
I’ve renewed my WPC membership and bought my season tickets.

(I guess announcing you’re back is a thing now – or maybe only if you are a grad)

Papajohn
Papajohn
4 months ago

Would have been cool if all of his merch sold for ‘big $30’.

Afterglow
Afterglow
4 months ago

Good to hear. I do wonder if he’s going to stick with what’s working or if he’s going to try more of a body transformation.

Rev
Rev
4 months ago
Reply to  Afterglow

Body Transformation…good idea. I doubt a lot will change in his game but slimming down and getting in better physical condition would improve his game. really glad he is back. For some reason, I never doubted he would once I found out he had another year of eligibility.

Dof87
Dof87
4 months ago
Reply to  Afterglow

Word is he’s lost 20 lbs so far this off season. Which is about the amount Miranda supposedly has gained.

Afterglow
Afterglow
4 months ago
Reply to  Dof87

Cool! I really like the idea of a weight exchange program. Works well for both parties.

Afterglow
Afterglow
4 months ago
Reply to  Afterglow

Can I give some my weight to Miranda as well?

Papajohn
Papajohn
4 months ago
Reply to  Dof87

He looks slimmer in the latest pictures.
Last season after a road win when he was asked about getting ice cream he said he wasn’t interested. So he was probably focusing on his diet even then, because I don’t believe anyone dislikes ice cream.
He’s a smart guy. He knows this is his last season to market himself for that future employer. And he knows we are now “Levi’s House O’ Bigs” so guys are going to be fighting for minutes. Both really good reasons to work hard this offseason.

Afterglow
Afterglow
4 months ago
Reply to  Papajohn

Smart indeed. I can’t wait to see this transformation.

On a totally different note, I can’t believe we haven’t heard anything-one way or another-from Jaden Bradley. Not that I think he’s coming her but more that there’s been nary a peep from him on what his plans are. Usually there’s a visit, or someone with some inside news that points the way things are trending but the word on Bradley has been crickets.

wolfpack74
wolfpack74
4 months ago
Reply to  Afterglow

Teams are probably trying to get the funds together to pay for him. Every State fan should start a GO FUND BRADLEY site. Horner, and Morsell are surely gone after next year. If Rice has a great year, he will be gone also. The two young recruits are labelled as shooting guards. We need him for the long haul.

Dof87
Dof87
4 months ago
Reply to  Afterglow

I’m less enthusiastic about Bradley as time goes on. I wonder if he’s either too much concerned about max NIL, or just doesn’t know what he wants. Maybe he’s just taking his time evaluating all options, but its not like he doesn’t already have a range of options. He does carry some off court baggage, deserved or not.

Papajohn
Papajohn
4 months ago
Reply to  Dof87

Agree, you don’t hear about many players visiting multiple places and then weeks later announcing, ‘having visited 25 schools and carefully analyzing my options and consulting my tax accountants, I have decided to commit to a school I visited many weeks ago.’
Diarra was exceptionally quick, but it seems like if you don’t get them within a week of the OV, you don’t get them.

Afterglow
Afterglow
4 months ago
Reply to  Papajohn

All fair points. Just think we need a point guard.

Afterglow
Afterglow
4 months ago
Reply to  Afterglow

Also, I don’t feel like he’s necessarily visiting a ton of schools. It’s just been real quiet. We heard about his visit to Memphis and now, there’s been nothing, not a sound. It feels to me like whatever decision he’s made he’s keeping it quiet.

Last edited 4 months ago by Afterglow
Papajohn
Papajohn
4 months ago
Reply to  Afterglow

We absolutely need a PG! All those bigs, and DJ is probably the only one that can get himself a shot. Casey is a ‘catch and shoot’ guy. This team is a good PG away from being really good, at least on paper. However, unfortunately I suspect KK has given up on bringing one in. If not, why haven’t we seen other PGs on official visits? I’ll bet Diarra’s scholly was targeted for Bradley and when they sensed he was not going to happen, they went to plan B. (or ‘D’ in this case) And, should I be wrong and… Read more »

Last edited 4 months ago by Papajohn
Afterglow
Afterglow
4 months ago
Reply to  Papajohn

I somehow don’t think Bradley is off the table.

Papajohn
Papajohn
4 months ago
Reply to  Afterglow

Hope you are correct! 🤞🙏

Afterglow
Afterglow
4 months ago
Reply to  Papajohn

News but Not News Because I’m No Expert

I noticed one interesting development and not sure if one can read the tea leaves from this but, Ty-Laur Johnson, #14-point guard in the Class of 2023 by 247 Sports and #83 player over all by ESPN, decommitted from Memphis. We also recruited Ty-Laur Johnson, and during that time of recruitment, he had a “High” level of interest in N.C. State.

Last edited 4 months ago by Afterglow
Papajohn
Papajohn
4 months ago
Reply to  Afterglow

Decent top 5 list of schools recruiting him, Memphis, Creighton, DePaul, Miss St, and us.
Wonder if that would mess up our relationship with Jaeden Mustaf (2024, top 30, 6’6″ PG – friends with signee Paul McNeil Jr), we’re on his short list.
Recruiting is brutal.

Last edited 4 months ago by Papajohn
Afterglow
Afterglow
4 months ago
Reply to  Papajohn

Yeah, I would imagine any PG this year may challenge a recruit for next year. Unless we get a one and done, I’m not sure the alternative of playing without a point guard this year in hopes of nabbing someone good next year is a good one.

Papajohn
Papajohn
4 months ago
Reply to  Afterglow

Saw an article on FB on the top remaining transfers, it included Bradley and said we were still in the mix for him.
I tried to paste the link but the PI app wouldn’t allow it. But that was about all it said. Memphis & Ariz also in play.

Last edited 4 months ago by Papajohn
wolfpack74
wolfpack74
4 months ago
Reply to  Papajohn

Get the money ready and go get him. Possible 3 years of a good point guard would be nice.

NC State Basketball

NC State to Honor David Thompson with Statue Outside Reynolds Coliseum

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RALEIGH – NC State University will pay tribute to three-time All-American David Thompson with a statue sculpted in his honor that will be placed outside of Reynolds Coliseum.

The unveiling will take place at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 6, the day of the Wolfpack men’s basketball team’s annual Heritage Game at Reynolds Coliseum, and will be open to the public.

“This is such a deserved honor for the greatest basketball player to ever wear an NC State jersey,” NC State Director of Athletics Boo Corrigan said. “He is one of the most iconic players to ever play in the ACC and our hope is that this statue will ensure that generations of NC State students and fans will always remember the legacy and contributions of David Thompson.”

Thompson is widely recognized as one of the greatest players in college basketball history. A 2008 ESPN story ranked him as one of the ten best college basketball players of all-time, and he is regarded as one of greatest athletes in Atlantic Coast Conference history.

The Boiling Spring, N.C., native played three seasons at NC State from 1972-75 and was a unanimous first-team All-American at the conclusion of all three seasons. He was also named the ACC Player of the Year all three seasons.

He was named the Associated Press National Player of the Year in 1974 and 1975 and remains one of just five players in college basketball history to win multiple AP National Player of the Year honors.

Thompson immediately made his mark on the Pack, helping lead NC State to an undefeated season (27-0) in 1973. The Pack dominated the 1972-73 season and was at the top or near the top of the polls all season as Thompson averaged 24.7 points and 8.1 rebounds per game.

Thompson returned in the 1973-74 season and led the Wolfpack to a 30-1 record and the school’s first NCAA Men’s Division I Basketball National Title.

In the Final Four, Thompson and the Wolfpack met up with UCLA, the seven-time reigning National Champions and the only team to have defeated NC State that season. The Pack trailed 74-67 in the second overtime when Thompson’s heroics helped lead NC State back. Thompson pulled down a defensive rebound and made the go-ahead basket with under one minute remaining and then made two free throws with 38 seconds to go to give the Pack a 78-75 double overtime win in a game that is still considered one of the greatest Final Four games ever played.

Thompson finished the game with 28 points and 10 rebounds in the win over Bill Walton and the Bruins.
Two nights later, the Pack won the National Title over Marquette, 76-64, behind 21 points from Thompson. Thompson was named the Most Outstanding Player of the tournament.

To make it into the NCAA Tournament, the Pack defeated fourth-ranked Maryland, 103-100, in overtime in the 1974 ACC Championship, in a game that is routinely considered one of the best games in college basketball history.

As a senior, Thompson averaged 29.9 points, still the highest single season average in NC State history. He scored an NC State and ACC record 57 points in an early season win over Buffalo State. The Pack started the season ranked No. 1 in the nation and never fell out of the top-10, but lost in the ACC Championship game to end its season. The Pack finished the season ranked seventh in the nation but because the NCAA Tournament at that time only allowed the conference champion into the tournament its season was over.

Thompson closed his career with 2,309 points in 86 career games. He led the ACC in scoring all three seasons and was NC State and the ACC’s career scoring leader when he graduated.

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NC State Basketball

Former NC State Basketball Player Torin Dorn Joins Coaching Staff of G-League SLC Stars

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Former NC State basketball player Torin Dorn has joined the staff of the Salt Lake City Stars, the G-League team for the Utah Jazz. Dorn’s title is Player Development Associate/Assistant Coach.

After playing 3 seasons at NC State, Dorn went on to play professionally overseas in Poland and Czech Republic, before joining the Wolfpack coaching staff last season as a Graduate Manager.

Dorn will be working under newly appointed head coach Steve Wojciechowski (former Duke PG), who was the head coach at Marquette the past 7 seasons.

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NC State Basketball

NC State Guard MJ Rice Will Be Returning Soon After Stepping Away for a Period of Time

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NC State Guard MJ Rice (6’5″/215) announced yesterday that due to personal reasons, he had to step away from the basketball program, but was excited to be back with his teammates soon. He was clear that his commitment to NC State hasn’t wavered.

(Tweet)

Life is much bigger than sports. These young men are human beings first and foremost, and as we all know, this life is never simple and easy.

Rice transferred to NC State this offseason from Kansas with three years of eligibility remaining. The former High School McDonald’s All-American didn’t get a lot of playing time in his Freshman season at Kansas, averaging 7.6 minutes per game in only 23 games played.

Coming out of Prolific Prep in California, Rice averaged 20.1 points and 5.3 rebounds per game as a Senior. Rivals ranked him as a 5-star prospect, ON3 ranked him 24th nationally, and ESPN ranked him as the #1 player in the state of North Carolina.

Whatever Rice is working through, we value him as a person more than we do a player.

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NC State Basketball

NC State Announces Hiring of Larry Dixon as NC State Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach

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RALEIGH – NC State men’s basketball head coach Kevin Keatts announced Wednesday that Larry Dixon has joined his staff as an assistant coach.

Dixon comes to NC State after spending the last five seasons as an assistant coach at South Florida.

The NCAA Division I Board of Directors voted in January to allow two more assistant coaches on men’s basketball staffs. Dixon, will serve as one of the Pack’s two new assistant coaches that can engage in coaching activities but may not recruit off campus.

“I think Larry is a great addition to our staff,” Keatts said. “He’s a North Carolina native that has dedicated himself to a coaching career since graduating from college. He started at the high school level in North Carolina and eventually moved up to college and now has been a Division I assistant coach for almost 20 years. I think his experience is going to be a great asset for me and our coaching staff, as well as the young men in our program as we develop them on and off the court.”

Larry Dixon joined the USF coaching staff as assistant coach on May 12, 2018.

In just his second season with the team in 2018-19, Dixon helped USF to the top win turnaround in the NCAA during the 2018-19 season, as the Bulls won 14 more games than the previous season. In addition, USF turned in a 24-14 overall record to set a new single-season school record for wins. The Bulls would go on to win the College Basketball Invitational (CBI) championship and claim the program’s first postseason title since 1990.

Dixon also played an instrumental role in the development of 2019 American Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Year Laquincy Rideau and 2019 American Athletic Conference Freshman of the Year Alexis Yetna.

Dixon helped USF become one of the top defensive teams in the NCAA during the 2019-20 season, finishing the year ranked 20th in scoring defense by allowing only 62.7 points per game. The Bulls limited eight teams to fewer than 60 points during the season and held 27 of their 31 opponents under their scoring average at the time of play. The Bulls also ranked 44th in the nation in turnovers forced with 15.6 per game, and stood 65th in the NCAA in steals with 7.5 thefts per game.

In 2021-22, Dixon helped develop Russel Tchewa and Corey Walker Jr. into one of the best frontcourt tandems in the league. The Bulls were again among the top defensive teams in the country, ranking 45th in the NCAA in scoring defense (64.9 ppg).

Dixon came to Tampa after five seasons as an assistant at Georgia Southern under head coach Mark Byington. Prior to his stint with the Eagles, Dixon had collegiate assistant coaching jobs at Winthrop (2007-12), East Carolina (2005-07), South Carolina State (2003-05) and St. Andrews College (2002-03).

In his final season at Georgia Southern, Dixon helped lead the Eagles to a 21-12 record, including an 11-7 mark in the Sun Belt. In 2016-17, he helped Georgia Southern reach the postseason for the first time since 2006, playing in the College Basketball Invitational.

Prior to arriving at Georgia Southern, Dixon spent the 2012-13 season as head coach at York Comprehensive High School in York, S.C.

During his five seasons (2007-12) on the coaching staff at Winthrop under head coach Randy Peele, Dixon was recognized as the top assistant coach in the Big South by Fox Sports.

Before entering the college game, Dixon served as the head coach at Garinger High School in Charlotte, N.C. for three seasons. In 2001, he led Garinger to a North Carolina High School sectional championship and earned Mecklenburg County Coach of the Year honors from the Charlotte Observer. Dixon also spent one season as an assistant at Carver High School in Winston-Salem, N.C. and one season at South Rowan High School in his hometown of Salisbury, N.C.

Dixon graduated from Johnson C. Smith University (Charlotte, N.C) in 1996, where he was a four-year letterman as a player. He was named the team’s most improved player following his junior season and the top defensive player after his senior season. He helped the Golden Bulls to a pair of CIAA Southern Division titles and a championship game appearance as a sophomore.

A native of Salisbury, N.C., Dixon has two children, Devin and Leah.

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