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Eric Dixon during Villanova's Upset Win Over #14 Cincinnati. Image Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn
When Villanova fans think of recent historic performances, names like Jalen Brunson, Randy Foye, Mikal Bridges, Collin Gillespie, and Donte DiVincenzo often come to mind, with their clutch moments and NBA-caliber talent cementing Villanova as a powerhouse in the 2010s. In 2024-25, however, the narrative has shifted, and while the Wildcats face uncertainty in a rapidly evolving college basketball landscape, Eric Dixon’s remarkable season has become a beacon of hope and a testament to hard work, development, and elite execution.
Eric Dixon’s journey to stardom is one of patience, perseverance, and steady growth—a story that perfectly encapsulates the Villanova program’s approach to player development. Arriving on campus in 2019 as a highly regarded recruit from Abington, Pennsylvania, Dixon redshirted his freshman year, a decision that, at the time, drew mixed reactions. For a player of his talent, sitting out while his peers were taking the court could have been frustrating, but it was a move that paid dividends. Dixon used that year to transform his game, reshaping his body and refining his skills to fit the Wildcats' system. By the time he took the floor in 2020, Dixon had already set the foundation for a career defined by his work ethic and steady improvement.
His breakout moment came during Villanova’s Final Four run in 2022. Playing alongside stars like Collin Gillespie and Jermaine Samuels, Dixon emerged as a crucial piece of the Wildcats’ success. Though often overshadowed by his veteran teammates, Dixon’s contributions were undeniable. He averaged nearly a double-double in the NCAA Tournament, including a critical 13-point, 8-rebound performance in the Round of 32 that helped secure Villanova’s ticket to the Sweet 16. On the game’s biggest stage, Dixon proved he could handle the pressure, anchoring the paint against Kansas in the semifinal while also flashing glimpses of his burgeoning offensive versatility. While Villanova fell short of the championship, Dixon’s presence was a harbinger of what was to come.
In the 2024-2025 season, Dixon’s offensive rating of 136.6, the highest amongst NCAA MBB players since KenPom began tracking this stat in 2003, places him in elite company among NCAA greats.[1] This figure not only leads the nation in 2025 but also eclipses the marks set by modern college basketball greats like Zion Williamson in 2019 (129.2) and Keegan Murray in 2022 (131.2). Eric Dixon’s offensive dominance in 2025 is underscored by the significant gap between his offensive rating of 136.6 and the second-place Johni Broome at 128.3—a difference of 8.3 points. This margin is the second-largest in the past two decades, trailing only Keegan Murray’s 8.6-point lead over Zach Edey in 2022. Dixon’s ability to separate himself so clearly from the rest of the field highlights not only his efficiency but also his unique blend of skill and impact, making his performance thus far one of the most dominant in recent NCAA history. But it’s not just the numbers that set Dixon apart—it’s how he’s getting them.
Through Villanova’s first few games, Dixon is averaging an incredible 25.7 points per game, ranking second nationally in scoring. His efficiency is unparalleled, boasting a blistering 54.1% from beyond the arc and an overall field goal percentage of 53%. In an era where big men are often asked to stretch the floor, Dixon has embraced the challenge, becoming one of the most lethal three-point shooters in the country. This blend of size, skill, and shooting has made him a matchup nightmare for opponents.
In Villanova’s statement victory against No. 14 Cincinnati, Dixon showcased his full repertoire, scoring 31 points and hitting back-to-back three-pointers in crunch time to seal the win.
This performance not only highlighted his scoring ability but also his poise and leadership—qualities that Villanova desperately needs in a season filled with ups and downs. When I asked Dixon what was going through his mind when taking those two dagger threes against Cincinnati, he said “Nothing really. I shoot those shots every day in the gym by myself and my teammates trust me to get those shots off." Wooga Poplar described Dixon as a "calm" presence for the team, and noted how impressive his work ethic and demeanor are.
Leadership aside, Dixon’s explosion comes at a pivotal time for Villanova. After several seasons of turbulence, including missing the NCAA Tournament and the coaching transition from HOF Coach Jay Wright to Kyle Neptune, the Wildcats are striving to reclaim their place among the NCAA’s top programs. While the team as a whole is still finding its footing, Dixon’s play has been a constant, elevating Villanova’s offense and keeping them competitive in high-stakes matchups.
Historically, Villanova has relied on team-oriented systems under Jay Wright, where no single player dominated the spotlight. This is highlighted by the fact that no other Villanova player is even in the top 10 of these Offensive Ratings, given it requires a player to have 28% usage on possessions. But in Dixon, the Wildcats have a bona fide star capable of carrying the team on his broad shoulders. His current season echoes some of the great individual campaigns in Villanova history, drawing comparisons to the likes of Randy Foye and Allan Ray, who carried the Wildcats during their mid-2000s resurgence.
Beyond the stats, Dixon’s journey to this point embodies the Villanova ethos of player development. Having steadily improved each year, he has transformed from a solid rotational player into one of the most dominant forces in college basketball. His work ethic, versatility, and basketball IQ have made him a fan favorite and a leader for this Wildcats squad.
Now, in his fifth year with the program, Eric Dixon has ascended to the pinnacle of college basketball. No longer a complementary piece, he has become the centerpiece of Villanova’s offense and one of the most dominant players in the nation. His ability to stretch the floor with his three-point shooting, combined with his physicality in the post, makes him a matchup nightmare for any opponent.
Few players in recent history have exhibited his level of efficiency—he leads the nation in offensive rating, ranks second in scoring, and continues to deliver clutch performances in high-stakes games. As Villanova navigates the rest of the 2025 season, Eric Dixon will undoubtedly be the linchpin of their success. Whether the Wildcats can build around his brilliance and a run for the tournament remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Dixon has etched his name into Villanova lore, and his 2025 campaign will be remembered as one of the finest in college basketball history. From his humble beginnings as a redshirt to his current status as a leading contender for National Player of the Year, Dixon’s story is one of transformation and triumph, embodying the attitude that makes Villanova basketball special.
Tyler Perkins: Villanova’s Case for a Starting Role
Although Dixon's start has been historic for Villanova, for Villanova to make a run at the postseason, they need their supplementary pieces to perform. With this in mind, a look at the pieces around Dixon suggest a change could catalyze Villanova in the right direction.
When it comes to identifying the lineup combinations that work best, coaches often rely on a mix of the eye-test and advanced metrics to determine the most impactful players. For Villanova, both watching the team and the numbers make a clear argument: Tyler Perkins deserves a starting spot. In lineups where Perkins takes the floor, the Wildcats have produced an observed offensive efficiency of 167.7, placing them in the 99th percentile nationally. This lineup ranks as the best among all 59 combinations Villanova has utilized this season, a testament to Perkins’ impact on the team’s offensive flow.
Perkins’ ability to elevate the offense stems from his versatility. His three-point shooting, which is currently at a 41.9% clip, grades phenomenally, with a 99.6 percentile rank amongst all of collge basketball, provides spacing that allows Villanova to stretch the floor against even the toughest defenses. Additionally, his contributions to rebounding—particularly on the defensive glass, where his lineups rank in the 98.1 percentile—ensure the Wildcats can limit second-chance opportunities for opponents. Pair this with his efficient scoring across the board, including a strong free-throw percentage (83.3%, ranked in the 94.2 percentile), and it becomes evident why Villanova’s offense thrives with him in the mix.
Defensively, Perkins also adds value. While his individual defensive stats (92.5 defensive efficiency, B grade, 84th percentile) may not place him among elite stoppers, they are more than solid and contribute to a balanced team performance. His defensive contributions, combined with his rebounding and ability to avoid costly fouls, provide the Wildcats with a steady presence on that side of the court. Perhaps an uptick of his minutes should come at times when he is suited for good defensive matchups.
Beyond the raw stats, Perkins’ energy and adaptability allow him to complement Villanova’s existing core while improving the overall team dynamic. Perkins has been described by teammates and coaches alike as the “Ultimate Competitor.” With such a strong offensive and defensive impact, its clear Perkins’ performance has earned his at the very least consideration for a place in the starting lineup. His presence would not only maximize the team’s efficiency but also provide the consistency and versatility needed as Villanova pushes for a run in upcoming Conference play.
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