Given the chance to choose a topic for a round of trivia against his dad, Eric Dixon opted for Chinese imperialism. Because what teenager wouldn’t want to go deep on the People’s Republic’s cultural expansion beyond its boundaries while driving to a summer-league tournament? “My dad was a nerd,’’ Dixon admits. “Some of it rubbed off on me.’’
Rubbed so deep, in fact, that at one point Dixon could name virtually every U.S. state capitol and opted to major in history upon arriving at Villanova. Though his memory isn’t quite as sharp - it took him some time to remember that Montpelier is the capitol of Vermont - his passion for history has hardly abated. Dixon harbors dreams of one day working as a museum curator, envisioning himself not just studying history but connecting it through exhibits.
That, however, will have to wait for a bit. Dixon has plans for a basketball future that, for now includes serving as the resident ancient relic of Villanova basketball. The 23-year-old, fifth-year player has heard his fair share of “Unc,’’ and “OG,’’ from his considerably younger teammates, but he takes it all in stride. Older also means wiser, and in the Wildcats’ case, Dixon’s institutional knowledge has a value that can’t be computed.
He has played in 127 college basketball games and started 106 at Villanova. Good health willing, he should challenge Collin Gillespie for the record for most games played in a Villanova uniform (156). More, Dixon understands the demands of college basketball, and the hard work it takes to be successful, and is happy to be the Unc/OG to impart that knowledge.
“Sometimes, you can see the doubt when they mess something up, or how they get excited when they’ve done something right,’’ Dixon says of his teammates. “I just tell them to take it day by day, and next thing you know, you’ll be like me, five years down the line.’’
Dixon returned to campus after going through the NBA Draft process. He weighed his decision thoughtfully, taking into consideration his stock and his ability to improve even more with an additional year at Villanova. His return, however, was made all the easier thanks to the new world of college athletics. Dixon is an NIL success story, a talented player who makes the Wildcats better on the court and represents the University exceptionally well off of it, compensated for his abilities but also further educated for his future. The Friends of Nova, Villanova’s collective, has exposed Dixon to programming about financial security while simultaneously expanding his role in the community. Dixon figures he may have done community outreach via camps a total of eight times in his first four years at Villanova; thanks to FON’s support, he’s spoken to 10 different groups just this summer.
He has received just as much as he’s been given. He relishes the chance to reconnect with old counselors and coaches and loves that he can return the favor to the countless people who guided him as a youngster. Dixon intentionally seeks common ground, understanding that though many of the kids before him have no interest in playing basketball, they all can appreciate the value of hard work. He likes to compare the work he does in practice to that of a student who has an affinity for math and is willing to do extra homework, or a talented writer who appreciates that reading books would help improve his or her craft.
Much of it wouldn’t have been possible without FON.
Yet Dixon’s goals are as grounded as ever. “I want people to be proud,’’ he says. “In my last year, I want people to know that I gave everything I had, and I cared about the V on my shirt as much as they care about the V on theirs. It’s about that common unified pride.’’
The history buff simply wants to leave his mark.
