Maryland basketball’s Juan Dixon hired to coach University of D.C. women’s team

Maryland basketball’s all-time leading scorer Juan Dixon has been hired as head coach of the University of the District of Columbia women’s basketball team, the director of athletics announced on Friday.

Dixon most recently served as special assistant to Maryland coach Mark Turgeon from 2013 until July, when the team elected not to renew his contract. His responsibilities included breaking down film and mentoring players, per the school’s website.

Dixon is most known for leading Maryland to its first national title in 2002. He was named Most Outstanding Player of the Final Four, ACC Player of the Year and an All-American. In four seasons at Maryland, Dixon averaged 16 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists. He was the No. 17 overall pick in the 2002 NBA draft by the Washington Wizards and played nine years in the league.

"There is no question Juan Dixon will take our women's basketball program to the next level," UDC director of athletics Patricia Thomas said in a release. "His tremendous success as a student-athlete, as well as professionally, combined with his respect for the development of students support our goals.”