Eric Dixon

Hometown: Willow Grove, PA
High School: Abington Senior HS
Height: 6-8
Weight: 255

Eric Dixon Player Preview:

As Villanova gears up for the upcoming basketball season, the Villanova faithful are buzzing with excitement, particularly about Eric Dixon’s return for his redshirt senior season. Dixon’s journey has been remarkable, evolving from a player who initially struggled to get minutes and struggled on defense, to becoming an all-around star last season. This impressive transformation has not gone unnoticed, as he was recently honored with a Preseason All-Big East Second Team selection, after earning all-conference nods last season.

Hailing from Willow Grove, Pennsylvania, and Abington Senior High School, Dixon has emerged as a pivotal figure for the Wildcats. Standing at 6-8 and weighing 255 pounds, his presence on the court is as commanding as it is influential.

Last season, Dixon led the Wildcats in both scoring and rebounding, averaging 15.4 points and 6.6 rebounds per game. Dixon’s ability to consistently deliver high-scoring games while maintaining an impressive field goal percentage of 49.2% highlights his efficiency and reliability as a player.

Dixon’s strengths lie in his scoring ability and his prowess in the paint. His physicality and size make him a formidable opponent under the basket, both offensively and defensively. Additionally, Dixon has shown his capability to stretch the floor with his shooting, adding another dimension to his game. Dixon’s ability to space the floor was especially on display last season when he drained 6-8 threes en route to 31 points against then 19th-ranked Creighton.

However, for Villanova to reach its full potential, Dixon will need to continue to refine his skills and maintain his high level of performance, especially in crucial matchups. Consistency will be key for Dixon as he takes on a leadership role in the team.

Eric Dixon Sr., Dixon’s father, has been vocal about his son’s scoring ability, stating that Dixon was the most dominant high school power forward he has ever seen play. This summer, Villanova coach Kyle Neptune picked up a true center by acquiring Lance Ware from the transfer portal via Kentucky. With this addition, there’s hope that Dixon will capitalize on his strengths and size to dominate in his more natural position.

Last season, Dixon solidified his role as a central figure to the team, starting in all 31 games. Each season, he has returned leaner and more athletic, a trend that Villanova fans eagerly anticipate will continue this year. Demonstrating his enhanced athleticism, Dixon even participated in the Hoops Mania dunk contest, further showcasing his evolving skills and physicality.

As the new season approaches, Eric Dixon stands as a testament to hard work and continuous improvement. His journey from a raw newcomer sitting behind Jeremiah Robinson-Earl to a key player for Villanova is what it’s all about. With his proven reliability, enhanced athleticism, and growing skill set, Dixon is poised to make a significant impact in the upcoming season.

Best Case Scenario: The pressure is taken off of Dixon offensively and he reverts back to his more efficient-self demonstrated in the 2021-22 season. Dixon plays the Daniel Ochefu offensive role and is able to get a bucket at-will anytime the team is in a slump, albeit still being able to drain threes. Dixon’s ceiling this year is similar to EJ Liddell’s standout senior season at Ohio State where he averaged 19.4 points and 7.9 rebounds per game.

Worst Case Scenario: Dixon faces challenges finding his place in the offense with the new additions. Dixon forces shots because he touches the ball less. Even in this scenario, it is very difficult to stop Dixon in the post and he will be a mismatch every night. Even a repeat of last season is still, statistically, solid.