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Villanova's Dixon Eyes Scoring Record in Vegas Tournament
Villanova's Dixon on Verge of Scoring History at Las Vegas Tournament
LAS VEGAS, NV – Villanova forward Eric Dixon is just nine points away from etching his name in Wildcats history at the inaugural College Basketball Crown tournament in Las Vegas. The tournament, a 16-team single-elimination event running from March 31st to April 6th, offers Dixon a chance to surpass Kerry Kittles’ nearly 30-year-old Villanova scoring record.
Currently, Dixon boasts 2,235 career points, eight points shy of tying Kittles’ mark. His 23 points-per-game average this season makes achieving the record highly likely during Villanova’s tournament run, which begins Tuesday against Colorado (8:30 p.m. ET, FS1). A win would advance them to the quarterfinals.
Dixon's journey to this point has been remarkable. A redshirt in 2019, he has progressed from a little-used freshman to a four-year starter and the nation's leading scorer this season. He acknowledged that achieving this milestone "is not something I really ever imagined being a possibility for me."
The accomplishment isn’t without its critics. Some argue that the extra year of eligibility granted during the pandemic, allowing Dixon to play a record 160 games for Villanova (compared to Kittles' 122), diminishes the achievement. Dixon, however, remains unfazed, stating, "I’m lucky enough to be in this position. If I go out there and I get it, I’m not going to let anybody else diminish it." He also points out the potential for a future fifth year of eligibility for college athletes, further strengthening his case.
Villanova interim coach Mike Nardi, who has witnessed Dixon’s entire Villanova career, praised Dixon's dedication and hard work, highlighting his commitment to the program despite opportunities elsewhere. Nardi emphasized Dixon's respect for Kittles' legacy and the significance of breaking the record.
Fellow Villanova senior forward Jordan Longino expressed his support for Dixon, stating, "I’ve seen the work that Eric has put in…He’s just an unbelievable player, unbelievable talent, even better leader…Mad respect and obviously I want him to be able to reach that goal." Despite the Wildcats’ early exit from the Big East tournament and subsequent coaching changes, Dixon and Longino have maintained their focus, driven by team pride and the opportunity to make history in Las Vegas. The College Basketball Crown, airing on FOX and FS1, provides the stage for Dixon's potential record-breaking performance. Villanova is listed at +700 odds to win the tournament at DraftKings Sportsbook.
LAS VEGAS, NV – Villanova forward Eric Dixon is just nine points away from etching his name in Wildcats history at the inaugural College Basketball Crown tournament in Las Vegas. The tournament, a 16-team single-elimination event running from March 31st to April 6th, offers Dixon a chance to surpass Kerry Kittles’ nearly 30-year-old Villanova scoring record.
Currently, Dixon boasts 2,235 career points, eight points shy of tying Kittles’ mark. His 23 points-per-game average this season makes achieving the record highly likely during Villanova’s tournament run, which begins Tuesday against Colorado (8:30 p.m. ET, FS1). A win would advance them to the quarterfinals.
Dixon's journey to this point has been remarkable. A redshirt in 2019, he has progressed from a little-used freshman to a four-year starter and the nation's leading scorer this season. He acknowledged that achieving this milestone "is not something I really ever imagined being a possibility for me."
The accomplishment isn’t without its critics. Some argue that the extra year of eligibility granted during the pandemic, allowing Dixon to play a record 160 games for Villanova (compared to Kittles' 122), diminishes the achievement. Dixon, however, remains unfazed, stating, "I’m lucky enough to be in this position. If I go out there and I get it, I’m not going to let anybody else diminish it." He also points out the potential for a future fifth year of eligibility for college athletes, further strengthening his case.
Villanova interim coach Mike Nardi, who has witnessed Dixon’s entire Villanova career, praised Dixon's dedication and hard work, highlighting his commitment to the program despite opportunities elsewhere. Nardi emphasized Dixon's respect for Kittles' legacy and the significance of breaking the record.
Fellow Villanova senior forward Jordan Longino expressed his support for Dixon, stating, "I’ve seen the work that Eric has put in…He’s just an unbelievable player, unbelievable talent, even better leader…Mad respect and obviously I want him to be able to reach that goal." Despite the Wildcats’ early exit from the Big East tournament and subsequent coaching changes, Dixon and Longino have maintained their focus, driven by team pride and the opportunity to make history in Las Vegas. The College Basketball Crown, airing on FOX and FS1, provides the stage for Dixon's potential record-breaking performance. Villanova is listed at +700 odds to win the tournament at DraftKings Sportsbook.
