June 10, 2015
CHICAGO - UIC head basketball coach Steve McClain announced the final addition to the Flames' 2015-16 roster in Dikembe Dixson (F, 6-7, 190, Freeport, Ill.). Dixson comes to UIC as the No. 43 ranked small forward in the nation.
"Dikembe can play multiple positions and brings a high skill set along with athleticism to our program," said McClain.
Dixson received interest from top programs such as Alabama, DePaul, Mississippi State, Tennessee, UNLV and Wake Forest. Dixson, the No. 4 player coming out of Kentucky, ultimately chose the Flames following a visit to UIC's campus.
Dixson spent his first years of high school ball playing at Ashland Blazer in Ashland, Ky., and then Thomas Nelson in Bardstown, Ky., before transitioning to Mingo Central in Delbarton, W. Va.
In his senior season with the Miners, Dixson averaged a double-double per game with 21.8 points and 10.5 rebounds along with 2.8 steals for coach Brad Napier. After helping Mingo Central reach the state tournament for the first time in school history, he was named to the Class AA All-State First Team and was nominated to play in the McDonald's All-American Games.
Dixson rounds out the 2015-16 squad as one of seven newcomers alongside Dominique Matthews, Najeal Young, Drew Hackett, Hassan Thomas, Michael Kolawole and Julian Torres.
2015-16 Newcomers
Dikembe Dixson -- Fr, F, 6-7, 190 (Freeport, Ill./Mingo Central HS)
Dominique Matthews -- Fr, G, 6-2, 180 (Chicago, Ill./Victory Rock Prep/St. Rita HS)
Najeal Young -- Jr, G/F, 6-6, 215 (Milwaukee, Wis./Lincoln College/West Allis Central HS)
Drew Hackett -- Fr, G, 6-3, 185 (Munster, Ind./Munster HS)
Hassan Thomas -- Fr, F, 6-7, 200 (Dallas, Texas/Woodrow Wilson HS)
Michael Kolawole -- Fr, G, 6-5, 185 (Rowlett, Texas/Rowlett HS)
Julian Torres -- Fr, F/C, 6-9, 240 (Bolingbrook, Ill./Bolingbrook HS)
