When the oppertunity arrises, Reese Dixon-Waters’s faith will guide him
Credit: Don De Mars/ EVT Sports
Reese Dixon-Waters is a quiet person. If you follow this team closely, you already know that. He does not say much, but his game speaks volumes when his team needs him the most.
The senior from Long Beach, California, is in his third year on The Mesa and in his final season with the San Diego State Aztecs. He’s overcome obstacles during his collegiate career, but his basketball career is far from over.
“I’m trying to play at the next level,” Dixon-Waters said ahead of Senior Night. “My goal is to play in the NBA. I don’t put down anyone who plays overseas. Basketball is basketball at the end of the day. Being a professional is being a professional. But I want to be remembered as one of the best players to ever play in the NBA.”
The senior only has one more guaranteed game left before he turns his attention to the NBA, just as Miles Byrd will. That game will be this Thursday night against either Colorado State or Fresno State. The goal is that the Aztecs make a run to the conference tournament championship to give them an opportunity to play in the NCAA Tournament.
Dixon-Waters did not play last season because of a knee injury. This season, he has done whatever he can to be a leader on the court and one of the best offensive players in the conference.
“Very thankful to be able to play after being injured,” Dixon-Waters said when asked about looking back on his time on The Mesa. “I’ve learned a lot about myself on and off the court. I’ve had people help me and guide me in many different ways, so, just being very thankful.”
Dixon-Waters’s faith is very important to him. He has mentioned it in the past, and he believes that it will guide him when an opportunity arises.
“It means a lot coming from another program, it’s pretty different, everyone is more of a family vibe here,” Dixon-Waters said after the win over UNLV on Senior Night. “One thing I learned is to take things day by day and not look into the future. The future is not promised.”
“I’m very thankful for my time here. My faith has grown; I’m very religious, so my faith in Christ has grown the most since I’ve been here. I am very thankful for that.”
The Aztecs have a big week ahead of them. If they want to go dancing, they more than likely would need to win the conference tournament in Las Vegas. If the Aztecs are getting the best version of Reese Dixon-Waters, then they will have a great opportunity to be crowned champions.
Wherever the game of basketball leads RDW next, you won’t have to worry about him having the wrong mindset.
Chris is a graduate of the University of San Diego. He is the former Sports Editor for the USDVista newspaper. Chris has covered the San Diego Loyal, and now covers San Diego State Men’s Basketball. He also contributes regularly about the Padres. Chris is an athlete and is a huge fan of San Diego sports.