UNC’s Caleb Wilson sends message after transfer portal announcement

Derek Dixon, a 6-foot-5 guard out of Gonzaga High School (Washington, DC), was a four-star prospect in the recruiting class of 2025 (per 247Sports). He ranked as the 45th-best overall prospect in his respective class, along with the eighth-best combo guard and the top recruit from the nation's capital.

Dixon earned a solid role during his freshman year with North Carolina, starting in 16 of his 33 appearances. He ended the 2025-26 season averaging 6.5 points on 36.5% shooting and 39.7% from 3-point range, while also tallying 2.3 rebounds and 2.7 assists in 22.3 minutes per game.

But following UNC's disappointing season and the firing of Davis, Dixon decided it was time for a change, entering his name into the NCAA transfer portal.

"DEAR UNC FAMILY, This has been one of the best years of my life and has been a journey that I will always remember," Dixon wrote on Instagram. "I want to thank Coach Davis for believing in me and all my teammates for making this such a special season. Chapel Hill is a special place and I am truly grateful for the time I’ve spent here. To the fans and UNC community that have welcomed and supported me all year I am eternally grateful. With the transfer portal opening tomorrow April 7th, I have decided to enter the transfer portal with the option to return to UNC. I want to thank everyone who has helped me get here and I’m excited to see what the future holds."

Wilson took notice of Dixon’s announcement, responding in the comments section with a question for his former teammate: “Will you still be here to get food with me and @jhenrychapman, brudda?”

Dixon is one of seven players the Tar Heels have lost to the transfer portal, which also includes forward Zayden High and guard Isaiah Denis, leaving them with some rebuilding to do ahead of the 2026-27 season.