UNC Basketball: Derrick ‘DJ’ Nix talks Tar Heels after unofficial visit

Derrick ‘DJ’ Nix talks UNC basketball program after unofficial visit to Chapel Hill last weekend

Roy Williams and the North Carolina Tar Heels are looking to get off to a good start with the recruiting class of 2022. In the stands for the Tar Heels’ disappointing 71-70 loss to Boston College last Saturday was 6-foot-7 small forward Derrick ‘DJ’ Nix.

"“The atmosphere was amazing,” Nix said. “It’s one of the pinnacle places for college hoops in our country.  It was cool because I saw one of my former teammates in Jairius Hamilton (I played with him in summer league) and his brother Jared play. They both play for BC and I got a chance to speak with Jairius before the game. It got really loud in there – especially in clutch moments for BC. I sat directly behind the bench with my Mom and Dad. I appreciate UNC for the invite and its motivating to me to keep on working to reach my potential.”"

Nix is a sophomore at Cannon School in Concord, North Carolina, and one of the most highly regarded prospects in the state. HoopSeen has Nix ranked third among players in the state of North Carolina behind 5-star point guard Jaden Bradley and Durham Academy’s MJ Rice.

Nix has been a big part of Cannon School’s 23-6 overall record this season, as well as the undefeated 9-0 mark in conference play. He’s been hearing from college coaches since his freshman season, and we anticipate his recruitment ramping up over the next couple of years.

He’s already heard from Auburn, Brown, Charlotte, East Tennessee State, Florida State, Harvard, Houston Baptist, Louisville, Notre Dame, Southern Alabama and Texas Tech, among others. Nix has reportedly let his coaches and parents handle most of the fanfare to this point, as he continues to focus on his body and game.

"“I’ve been in the gym working on my game and I’ve been with my school team, prepping for the upcoming season,” Nix told Phenom Hoops last summer.  “While I go to the gym to improve all parts of my game, I have put an emphasis on shooting.  As far as my travel team, I’ve accepted the invitation and challenge of playing up two classes with Team Charlotte 17u.  Coach Jeff is helping me to reach my potential by demanding my best and encouraging me to play with my game within his system.”"

Look for Nix to become an increasingly popular target for college basketball programs in the coming months, as he’s proving to be a valuable player with terrific upside. And although he’s not currently ranked by ESPN or 247Sports, expect that he will be by the time it’s all said and done.

Stick with Keeping It Heel for all the latest on Derrick ‘DJ’ Nix, and everything UNC basketball.