WHAT’S YOUR WHY? DILLON NIXON | GUARD | BUFORD HIGH SCHOOL

Coach D
Dec 31, 2025
3 min read

Some athletes are driven by the spotlight. Others are driven by purpose. Dillon Nixon is the type of player who understands that competition isn’t just about winning games, it’s about building character, creating connections, and preparing for life beyond the court.

From Lawrenceville, Georgia, Dillon’s basketball journey began early. At just six years old, he found himself watching his older brother play, absorbing the game long before he ever understood what it could become. What started as admiration quickly turned into passion.

“I love competing,” Dillon says. “Not just in basketball, but in life. Competition brings joy, and it connects people.”

Playing With Purpose

Dillon’s “why” goes beyond stats or recognition. Basketball is a pathway, one that aligns with his vision for the future.

“I want to be a coach and a teacher,” he explains. “Basketball can help get me where I need to go.”

That clarity shapes how he approaches the game. He plays with intention, understanding that every rep, every practice, and every season is preparing him to lead others one day.

The legacy he wants to leave is simple but powerful: impact through his position, his energy, and the joy he brings to the game.

The Daily Grind

Dillon’s routine reflects discipline and commitment. His days often start early in the morning before school, followed by practice after school, a schedule that demands consistency and maturity.

Recovery is treated as seriously as training. He relies on ice baths, Game Ready, and Normatec compression to keep his body healthy and prepared. That attention to recovery shows a player who understands longevity.

On the court, Dillon is focused on refining his craft, specifically perfecting his midrange pull-up, a skill that allows him to control pace and create scoring opportunities at multiple levels.

Adversity That Shaped Him

One of Dillon’s most defining challenges came in the form of an MCL tear. Instead of slowing him down mentally, it reshaped how he plays.

The injury taught him how to change speeds, play with more pace, and see the game differently. More importantly, it deepened his faith.

“Trusting God’s plan,” Dillon says, is how he pushed through.

That trust has carried over into how he leads and how he competes.

A Leader by Nature

Teammates would describe Dillon as fun, energetic, and selfless, a leader who brings people together rather than drawing attention to himself.

Leadership, to him, is about action and communication. “Leading by example,” he says, “and making sure everyone’s on the same page.”

His family has been a constant source of support, standing behind him through every high and low. That foundation allows Dillon to play freely and confidently.

Perspective Beyond the Game

Dillon understands something many athletes take years to realize size doesn’t define greatness.

“You don’t have to be the biggest to be the best,” he says.

Outside of basketball, he values peace and relationships. He makes a conscious effort to keep harmony with everyone he knows, reflecting the character he hopes to model as a future educator and coach.

If basketball weren’t the path, Dillon believes he’d be playing football but teaching and leadership would still be at the center of his life.