Daniel Dixon is looking to make his dream a reality

Daniel Dixon was back at his Virginia home just a few hours after his first job interview. He’s begun the process of finding that first job after college like the thousands of graduates across the country. The only difference between him and thousands of others is his job interview was with the nearest NBA team, the Washington Wizards. His version of an interview was a workout, sweating through drills and trying to show that he’s ready to play at the next level.

Dixon, a 6-foot-6, 210-pound guard from William and Mary has the size and capabilities of a prototypical NBA player. His ability to shoot from deep at a respectable percentage and get to the basket in a methodical way is why he became a great player for the Tribe.

Dixon is relatively unknown as a draft prospect and you likely won’t find him on any mock drafts. But working out for Washington an opportunity to make two of his dreams come true: playing in the NBA and hopefully joining his hometown Wizards.

“It went pretty well,” said Dixon from his home after the Wizards workout. “I thought I definitely showcased my ability to defend; shot it okay, definitely could’ve shot a little better. I was definitely competing and holding my own against those guys.”

Any description of Dixon’s game should start with his fearlessness. A shot from distance with a defender inside his jersey, a full-court pass to a teammate on the break while three other defenders are trailing, nothing rattles him. While at William and Mary Dixon flashed the clutch gene just like his idol Damian Lillard. It wasn’t just his ability to make key plays but also score with his jump shot and craftiness around the hoop.

“I’ve just told him to continuously work on his game,” said Marcus Thornton, a former college teammate, “in all facets, but particularly focus on being able to consistently knock down the NBA 3, teams are always looking for guys with size that can guard and stretch the floor from 3. I think Dixon completely embodies that ability amongst others.”

While at William and Mary Dixon’s game evolved each season and it reflected in the stat sheet. His senior year was the best of his collegiate career. He was second in the conference in points per game (19.2), free throw percentage (87 percent) and tenth in 3-point percentage (37.8). He also posted career-highs in rebounding (4.7) and free-throw attempts per game (4.9). But despite the progression and those impressive numbers, he’ll most likely be an afterthought on draft night.

Dixon is applying for a job where the odds are already against him before he even signs a contract. For starters, Dixon is a four-year player. Secondly, he’s 23-years-old. Both his age and time spent in college aren’t the most ideal combination for teams looking for youth and upside.

“I was obviously a late bloomer,” said Dixon. “So, when it comes to my age and things like that I don’t think people realize that I just started and grew a few inches in college as well. So, I think I have a lot more left in the tank than what a lot of people would think. My progress has been a steady uphill progress my whole college career. I think that’s definitely showed and I think it’s just going to keep going hopefully when I get to the NBA.”

Dixon didn’t truly know he had a chance of making it to the NBA until his junior season, but it really hit him in his last year of eligibility. For some players it takes all four years to blossom into a prospect, the same amount of time it takes most students to be trained and ready for their first job after college.

“I think with the one-and-done situation these days,” said Thomas Shaver, William and Mary head coach, “and so many guys leaving even out of high school, the maturity they have to gain to perform at that level – if they ever gain it – I think you’re taking an incredible risk on young people today even though they’re talented.”

“In today’s NBA it definitely hurts,” said Thornton. “No secret that NBA teams are more drawn to younger players coming into the draft and their potential opposed to seasoned three or four year players.”

Veteran college players aren’t necessarily doomed to find themselves on the outside looking in. Take Malcolm Brogdon of the Milwaukee Bucks for example. Like Dixon, he was a 23-year-old draft prospect. Brogdon spent five years in college and became a legend at Virginia, and his age likely played a part in him being selected in the second round. Brogdon went on to have a sensational year for the Bucks, ready to contribute from day one, and even finished as a finalist for Rookie of the Year.

“They’re the judge of talent, I’m not, ” said Shaver. “I think what any program wants – whether it’s college or NBA – is stability. I think guys with some maturity, who’ve been through a lot of different things, there’s going to be more stability that comes with that young man. Guys you can trust; guys you can depend on. I know they have to take a shot on pure talent, and I understand that, but if you can find a combination of the two that’s pretty good.”

Coming from a small school, doesn’t help Dixon’s case either but there are plenty of examples of NBA stars from similarly small schools.

“It means a lot,” said Dixon on small college players making it to NBA. “One of the guys I idolize is Damian Lillard. So just knowing it’s possible to come from a small school and make an impact in the NBA, and make a big impact is definitely possible. It’s motivation. It’s promising. I think these guys are amazing players and people sometimes don’t get to see the hidden gems all the time. I definitely have a lot of respect for those guys.”

Next: Terrance Ferguson plays 3-and-D, but the rest of his game needs help

Those close to Dixon, like Shaver and Thornton, know who he is on and off the court. Now it’s just about convincing an NBA team to take a chance see who he is also.

“The best thing he can do is focus on what he can control,” said Thornton

Dixon’s next opportunity to showcase his developed talent is in his workout with the Boston Celtics on June 15, according to a source. That’ll be his second workout along, with his Wizards audition, just a week before the draft.

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