Despite the reported news of UNC men’s basketball selecting its next head coach on Monday, freshman point guard Derek Dixon share he plans to enter the transfer portal when possible on Tuesday.

Dixon made the announcement on social media just a few hours after reports leaked of Carolina Athletics planning to hire former Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone to the same role in Chapel Hill. The Vienna, Va. native said he is entering the portal “with the option to return to UNC,” but thanked the fans and UNC community for welcoming and supporting him in the meantime. Dixon’s post also thanked former UNC head coach Hubert Davis and all of his teammates “for making this such a special season.”

Despite starting the season as a reserve, Dixon took the reins of the offense after replacing starter Kyan Evans. Dixon started every game from Jan. 17 onward, reaching double figures in each of his first three starts. That included an 11-point showing in a win at No. 14 Virginia in which Dixon played 32 minutes and hit several key shots. Dixon became known for his tendency to take clutch shots, including a go-ahead three-pointer and layup in the final minute of a win at No. 18 Kentucky in December. He also made the assist on Seth Trimble’s game-winning three against No. 4 Duke in February.

For the season, Dixon averaged 6.5 points and 2.3 rebounds per game. His 81.8 free-throw percentage led the team, and his 39.7 three-point percentage ranked second on the team behind Henri Veesaar.

The NCAA transfer portal for men’s basketball opens on Tuesday and will run through Tuesday, April 21. Players who are looking to transfer from their current schools are required to enter their names during that window, but will have the following weeks to commit to where they want to play in the 2026-27 season. For a list of other Tar Heel men’s basketball players who have entered the portal so far this offseason, read Chapelboro’s article tracking their movement.

Featured image via Todd Melet

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