Chapel Hill, N.C. — Freshman guard Derek Dixon is experiencing a shooting slump at a critical juncture in the North Carolina Tar Heels’ season, having connected on just 4 of 26 field goal attempts, including 2 of 18 from three-point range, over the past three games.
The shooting difficulties come after Dixon replaced Kyan Evans in the starting lineup last month, a move made by head coach Hubert Davis in an attempt to spark the Tar Heels’ offense. While Dixon has demonstrated an ability to contribute in multiple facets of the game, his recent struggles from the floor have coincided with a period where North Carolina is seeking consistent offensive production.
Despite the recent cold streak, Dixon remains focused on impacting the game beyond scoring. Following a 79-65 win over Pittsburgh on February 17, 2026, Dixon stated, “Guys are [going to] have bad games, I’m [going to] have bad games… Didn’t shoot it particularly well tonight… I just tried to impact the game in any way I could, making right reads, making quality passes, taking care of the ball and getting on the glass.” In that game against the Panthers, Dixon recorded seven assists and seven rebounds, despite shooting 1-of-5 from the field.
The Tar Heels’ coaching staff has been navigating a challenging stretch, dealing with injuries to Caleb Wilson and Henri Veesaar, which have necessitated adjustments to the team’s rotation. The team is preparing to face Louisville on February 23, 2026.
Dixon, a 6-foot-5, 200-pound guard from Vienna, Virginia, arrived at North Carolina after being named the 2025 Gatorade Player of the Year for the District of Columbia. He led Gonzaga College High School to a 29-5 record and a state championship, averaging 14.1 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 2.6 assists as a senior. His father, John Dixon, played football at James Madison University, and his sister attends the University of Virginia.
Kyan Evans, the player Dixon replaced in the starting lineup, has reportedly been impressed with the freshman’s maturity. Details of Evans’ specific comments were not immediately available.
