After a week of negotiations and visits, Arizona has secured the point guard spot heading into next season. They signed Washington guard JJ Mandaquit yesterday evening. Everyone thought Mandaquit would be a bench piece, and the theory was soon confirmed by the Arizona program itself.
The Wildcats signed North Carolina guard Derek Dixon around an hour after the program brought in Mandaquit. Lloyd has found the next two guards in his terrific lineage at the guard position throughout his time at Arizona. These two guards will have the tall task of replacing the production of Jaden Bradley .
BREAKING: North Carolina transfer guard Derek Dixon has committed to Arizona 😼https://t.co/aFVypbfa6Rpic.twitter.com/wure0Me23i
— Transfer Portal (@TransferPortal) April 13, 2026
Dixon & Wildcats Have History
Dixon and the Wildcats have a prior history, dating back to when Dixon was in high school. The program offered Dixon a scholarship back in July 2024. The four-star guard strongly considered the Wildcats, as they were among his final six teams. Dixon eventually chose the Tar Heels over the Wildcats for his freshman season.
Given how college sports are in today’s landscape, the season that just happened means little when players are considered for their future. Just one year after Dixon picked Chapel Hill over Tucson, he is officially a Wildcat.
Starting Point Guard
BREAKING: Washington transfer guard JJ Mandaquit has committed to Arizona, @JoeTipton reports😼https://t.co/DttjDDtVIApic.twitter.com/39Troq1dNL
— Transfer Portal (@TransferPortal) April 13, 2026
Dixon will most likely be the starting point guard for Lloyd and the Wildcats next season. That role comes with immense pressure at a school like Arizona, especially coming off a Final Four run. The program and its fans expect no less than another deep postseason run next year. Luckily for Dixon, he already has plenty of experience playing with pressure…