Featured photo courtesy of UMTerps.com.
The game clock read 0.08 seconds as center Tahj Holden stood on the baseline, prepared to execute the final inbound pass in the 2002 NCAA basketball national championship game. Steps ahead of him was senior guard Juan Dixon.
“Give it to Dixon, he deserves it,” CBS announcer Jim Nantz said as Holden lobbed the ball to Dixon.
Dixon launched the ball up into the air as Maryland basketball defeated the Indiana Hoosiers 64-52, earning the university’s first and only men’s basketball national title. The Terps had delivered; they had lived up to the high expectations that being ranked second in the AP poll to start the season presented. And Dixon was at the forefront of the success.
With this year’s Maryland basketball team ranked third in the preseason coaches poll, Dixon finds himself in a similar predicament, but playing a different role: special assistant to the head coach.
“What these guys are about to deal with, our team went through back in ‘01-’02,” Dixon said. “I have some experience when it comes to the expectations that come with a top-three basketball team.”
According to UMTerps.com, Dixon’s responsibilities include scouting and film breakdown, academic support and mentorship and additional administrative duties.
Maryland’s all-time leading scorer and the most outstanding player of the 2002 Final Four is the only member of the 2002 championship team that is on the coaching staff. He said he sees many similarities in the squads, pointing to strong coaching, skilled big men, athletic wings and a dynamic point guard.
But Dixon said the recipe for success lies in the team’s work ethic.
“All we have to do is live up to the expectations by working hard, being coachable, being very disciplined and taking care of business on and off the court,” Dixon said.
Heading into this season, Dixon has used his experiences of success to fuel the Terps’ motivation.
“He was telling us, ‘you know y’all got the chance to do something special,’” junior forward Damonte Dodd said. “He said he’s seen it so it just gives us motivation to go out there and do something special.”
In his four years as a player at Maryland, Dixon went to four NCAA tournaments and two Final Fours, winning one national title. He also spent nine years in the NBA.
“He wants us to win and win at a high level,” head coach Mark Turgeon said. “His experience of being a great college player is huge.”
And when players need counsel, Dixon is there.
“The advice that he gives us every day, just ins and outs of the game, what it takes to get there, the sacrifice, the NBA knowledge, just knowing what it takes to get to that level,” junior forward Robert Carter Jr. said. “You go to Juan about anything and he’s cool and he lets you know.”
In addition to using his past to help the team, Dixon has utilized his skillsets, relating the way he played in college to the way the players on the team are today; the “energy” and “passion” of guard Rasheed Sulaimon, the “heart” and “will” of point guard Melo Trimble and the way wings Jared Nickens and Dion Wiley “shoot the ball.”
“He’s always telling us where to be on the floor, how to make certain reads,” Nickens said. “He’s also a great encourager, positive guy, always pushes us and I’m glad he’s around.”
Turgeon said Dixon’s personal connection to the university is beneficial for the team.
“He loves Maryland basketball,” Turgeon said. “He doesn’t like it, he loves it. It’s his life.”
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