College basketball is brimming with exceptional talent this season, and Eric Dixon has certainly outshone them all. In his final year, the forward has unlocked his true potential as he eyes the NBA draft. Leading the Wildcats in their matchup against the UConn Huskies, Eric guided them to an upset victory, handing the Huskies a loss (68-66).

Eric Dixon stepped up big for the Wildcats, scoring 23 points and going a perfect 9-for-9 from the foul line, leading Villanova to a top-four finish in the Big East (11-5). With his impressive performance this season, Dixon has solidified himself as one of the standout players, drawing attention as he prepares for the next chapter in his career. Here’s everything you need to know about the 6’8 forward.

From High School Phenom to Villanova Standout

Born on January 26, 2001, Eric Julius Dixon grew up in Bryn Mawr, attending Abington Senior High School, as a senior, Dixon was a force to be reckoned with, averaging 27.9 points and 11.6 rebounds per game while leading the Ghosts to an impressive 28–2 record that season. One of his standout moments came in an overtime victory against Coatesville, where he scored 38 points to secure the PIAA Class 6A District 1 title.

By the time he finished his high school career, Dixon had accumulated 2,454 points, becoming the first 2,000-point scorer in Abington history, and was named the 2018–19 All-Area Boys’ Basketball Player of the Year. Regarded as a consensus four-star recruit, he ultimately chose to play for Villanova, turning down offers from Virginia, Seton Hall, and Louisville to join the Wildcats.

Initially, Eric practiced with the team but didn’t play in any regular season games, as he was on track to redshirt his first season and focus on developing for the future, which was evident when he made an impressive debut against Hartford, recording his first college double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds in a dominant 87-53 win. In the 2020-21 season, he averaged 3.0 points and 1.6 rebounds over 21 appearances, all coming off the bench as a reserve player.

During the 2021-22 season, Eric made an impact as a starter in all 38 of Villanova’s games, helping the team reach the NCAA Final Four, averaging 25.2 minutes, 9.1 points, and 6.4 rebounds per game, while shooting an impressive 49.8% from the field and 48.6% from beyond the arc. His growth on the court earned him the Most Improved Player award from the Philadelphia Big Five.

Eric brings a rare blend of strength and skill to the court, and over the past two seasons (2022-23 and 2023-24), he’s proven why, earning Second Team All-BIG EAST honors and solidifying his place among the league’s top players. With 1,499 points and 724 rebounds, he’s now one of only 12 Wildcats in history to achieve both milestones. Across 127 games over four seasons, he’s averaged 11.8 points and 5.7 rebounds per game, consistently playing a key role in Villanova’s success. Now, as he looked to take the next step in his career, Dixon officially declared for the 2024 NBA draft.

Returning to Villanova for One Last Shot at Glory

Villanova redshirt senior forward Eric Dixon officially declared for the 2024 NBA draft, sharing the news with his followers on social media. Dixon decided not to return for a sixth year on campus or a fifth season on the court. Although he had the option to do so, thanks to redshirting during the 2019-20 season.

However, Dixon returned to Villanova with extra motivation this season, determined to leave the program on a high note and prove to NBA scouts that he has the skills to compete at the next level. He made it official, announcing that he was withdrawing from the NBA draft and coming back to Villanova for a fifth season on the Main Line.

“I’m just excited to get another chance to lead the team, to represent this University,” Dixon, told Big5Hoops.com, “I’m from down the street. I care about the school a lot. I’d love to be able to go out on a good note.” Dixon had the chance to do just that in his final season on the Main Line.

This season, Eric Dixon has been a key factor in the Wildcats’ success, averaging 25.7 points per game—ranking No. 1 nationally in scoring—along with an impressive 5.1 rebounds, all in just 15 games. His standout performances on the court have not only helped his team but also contributed to his NIL growth. As of November 14,  Dixon’s NIL value stood at an impressive $1.2 million, solidifying his place as one of the top athletes in college basketball.

Eric Dixon’s journey from high school standout to one of Villanova’s top players has been nothing short of impressive. With his decision to return for one final season, Dixon aimed to make his mark, both on the Wildcats and in the eyes of NBA scouts. As he heads toward the NBA draft, his future looks bright, and he’s poised to continue his rise in the basketball world.