UNC Basketball: Derek Dixon cuts his recruitment to six programs

In recent weeks, the recruiting trail for the Class of 2025 has really started to heat up.

Four-star combo guard Derek Dixon is a prospect whose recruitment has really heated up, as he's considered one of the highest rising student-athletes in the class.

Now, the Washington, D.C. native is focusing his recruitment on six schools, as Hubert Davis and the UNC basketball program are still in the mix.

North Carolina is joined by Arizona, Pittsburgh, Syracuse, Vanderbilt and Virginia as the other finalists in Dixon's recruitment, as it shouldn't necessarily be considered surprising that the Tar Heels are still involved.

Dixon will be visiting the University of North Carolina on September 6, as it would have been a surprise if the Tar Heels were not included among his finalists. Sure, Dixon could've cancelled his official visit if he changed his mind, but it appears that the interest between Dixon and the UNC basketball program is very mutual at this point.

Considering the Tar Heels didn't extend an offer until May 21, it's really good to see that the late start in recruiting him didn't necessarily negatively impact them in his recruitment. It is an ACC-heavy list of finalists, as four of the six remaining teams currently reside in the Atlantic Coast Conference, so it will be up to the UNC basketball program to find a way to edge out the competition as this recruitment starts to get closer to the finish line.