In one week, Pitt will be awaiting a big decision from one of its top targets in the class of 2025.
On Sept. 27, four-star guard Derek Dixon will commit to a college, and Pitt is squarely in the mix to land him. Dixon is down to six schools, and many think that this is a battle between North Carolina and Pitt.
Pitt Could Land Highest-Ranked Recruit of Jeff Capel’s Tenure
Dixon, a four star out of Gonzaga Prep in Washington D.C., has developed a strong relationship with Pitt head coach Jeff Capel, associate head coach Milan Brown, and the rest of the staff over more than two years since they began recruiting him.
The Pitt staff is working hard to land Dixon, as showcased by Capel and Brown’s trip to D.C. to see him last Thursday, the same day that he cancelled his visit to Arizona.
Ranked as the No. 51 player in the nation by 247 Sports, Dixon, if he were to commit to Pitt, would become the highest-ranked player to commit to Capel since he took over the Pitt head coaching position. The title of Capel’s highest-ranked commitment is currently owned by Dior Johnson, who finished No. 53 overall in 247 Sports’ class-of-2022 rankings. Johnson never appeared in a game for Pitt after being suspended in his freshman season. He spent last year at Clarendon College (JUCO), and is now at UCF playing in the Big 12.
Then came Papa Amadou Kante, who was ranked as the No. 74 player in the 2023 class, Jaland Lowe, who was ranked No. 89, and Bub Carrington, who was ranked No. 91 in his high-school class.
Prior to Johnson and that loaded 2023 group, the record was previously held by Trey McGowens, who ranked as the No. 95 player in the 2019 class. John Hugley is near the top as well, as he was the No. 99 player in 247’s 2020 composite rankings.
Dixon has visited Pitt three times — twice for unofficial visits and once for an official.
