Departing North Carolina guard Derek Dixon has committed to Arizona, giving the Wildcats a second new guard in the same afternoon.
Dixon announced his decision Tuesday by posting a of his commitment just about an hour after news surfaced that point guard JJ Mandaquit committed to the Wildcats. He had visited ÃÛÌÒÓ°ÏñAV over the weekend.
North Carolina guard Derek Dixon celebrates after scoring during the first half in the first round of the NCAA college basketball tournament against VCU, Thursday, March 19, 2026, in Greenville, S.C. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Arizona reposted news of the guards' commitments, though the school cannot  officially announce additions until their paperwork is signed.
The commitment of the two guards fills a UA need around incoming freshman Caleb Holt, with senior Jaden Bradley out of eligibility and freshman Brayden Burries expected to leave for the NBA Draft.
Both Dixon and Mandaquit were Arizona recruiting targets in high school, while Mandaquit also played for UA coach Tommy Lloyd for USA Basketball in the FIBA U19 World Cup last summer.
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Averaging 6.5 points and 2.7 assists while shooting 39.7% from 3-point range last season, Dixon took over as the Tar Heels' starting point guard in midseason. He wound up starting 16 of 33 games played, averaging 22.3 minutes per game.
The guard commitments leave Arizona with eight projected scholarship players as of now, with their biggest remaining needs at power forward and center.
Arizona’s spring roster transition
As of Monday, April 13
Tentative returners
Ivan Kharchenkov | 6-7 | 230 | sophomore
Motiejus Krivas | 7-2 | 260 | senior
Mabil Mawut | 6-11 | 200 | R-freshman
Bryce James | 6-5 | 185 | R-freshman
Newcomers
Caleb Holt | 6-5 | 200 | freshman
Cameron Holmes | 6-6 | 205 | freshman
Derek Dixon | 6-5 | 200 | sophomore
JJ Mandaquit  | 6-1 | 201 | sophomore
Expected departures
Jaden Bradley | 6-3 | 205 (declared for NBA Draft)
Tobe Awaka | 6-9 | 250 (out of eligibility*)
Anthony Dell’Orso | 6-6 | 190 (out of eligibility*)
Brayden Burries | 6-4 | 190 (expected NBA departure)
Koa Peat | 6-8 | 235 (expected NBA departure)
Dwayne Aristode | 6-8 | 215 | (in transfer portal)
Sidi Gueye | 6-11 | 215 | (in transfer portal)
Evan Nelson | 6-2 | 170 (out of eligibility)
* = Under current rules. (Nelson is also out of eligibility under a proposed new rule since his five-year window is up).
R = Redshirted in 2025-26
