Dikembe Dixson, a 6-foot-7 1/2, 185-pound 2015 small forward from Mingo Central (W.V.), committed to UIC on Wednesday morning.
Dixson also considered DePaul, but chose the Flames because of his relationship with head coach Steve McClain and assistant Ronald Coleman, sources said.
“I will be a scorer and playmaker,” he told SNY.tv. “I will help my team get open looks and make it to the Dance.”
Dixson averaged 21.8 points, 10.5 rebounds and 2.8 steals per game at Mingo Central for coach Brad Napier.
“They made him feel very needed,” Napier told SNY.tv of UIC. “He said a lot of programs made me feel like they want me, but they made me feel like they need me to be successful. That was a big selling point for him. And it’s close to home [Freeport, IL] where he’s originally from.
“Dikembe is a very long athletic wing who excels in transition,” Napier added. “He has great upside and a very good skill set. He has became a very good shooter (shooting over 45 percent from the 3-point line this year). I think Dikembe’s best basketball is ahead of him and he can be as good as he wants.
“I think he’ll be a point forward type of guy. They’ll use him some at the one, but the two and three are his more natural positions. But they’ll use him as a point forward where he can handle the ball and do different things.”
DONDRE RHODEN TO FDU
Dondre Rhoden, a 6-6, 225-pound 2015 power forward from Woodstock (CT) Academy, committed to Fairleigh Dickinson on Tuesday.
A physical, tough, big body with a big upside, Rhoden formerly played at Ridgefield (N.J.) Park.
“Dondre is an extremely hardworking kid with the ability to finish with either hand around the basket,” Long Island Lutheran Jay David said. “He does all the little things, he takes charges, he dives for loose balls, he makes early rotations. He’s going to give his all every day there.”
Rhoden is FDU’s fifth pledge in the Class of 2015.
ELIJAH HUGHES TO EAST CAROLINA
Elijah Hughes, a 6-5, 210-pound 2015 guard from JFK-Somers (N.Y.), committed to East Carolina on Tuesday.
He also considered Hofstra and Iona.
“I just felt that ECU was the best fit for me because I just immediately fell in love with the school and the coaching staff put a lot of trust in me,” he told SNY.tv.
Hughes averaged 15.7 points, 7.2 rebounds and 5.4 assists per game and led Kennedy to a 26-2 season.
Photo: Lohud.com
HAMIDOU DIALLO VISITS UCONN
Hamidou Diallo, a 6-5 2017 shooting guard from Woodstock (CT) Academy, took an unofficial visit to UConn on Tuesday.
His teammate Mamadou Diarra recently committed to the Huskies.
“It’s something I’ve been thinking about but it’s not really a big impact,” he recently told SNY.tv of Diarra’s decision. “That’s like my brother.”
Asked if the 6-8 Diarra’s commitment to UConn would impact him, Diallo said, “Not necessarily, a little bit, but not necessarily.”
Diallo also recently visited St. John’s, while Syracuse, Minnesota and Providence are also involved.
