ETSU men’s basketball head coach Brooks Savage announced the hiring of Cory Dixon as an assistant coach.
Dixon, who played for two seasons at the University of New Orleans, spent this past 2023-24 season as an assistant coach at his alma mater.
“I am thrilled to have Cory join our team,” said Savage. “Cory has had an impressive basketball career both as a player and a coach that will allow him to have a major impact on our program. Having played and coached at the professional level is a huge addition to our staff and a great resource for our players. Cory is high energy with a strong work ethic, a sharp basketball mind, and is an effective communicator which makes him a natural fit. Cory has experience in all areas of the program and will be able to contribute on the floor and in recruiting. I’m excited to welcome Cory and Molly to Johnson City!”
Dixon is ready to hit the ground running with the Buccaneers.
“I am excited to join ETSU,” said Dixon. “I look forward to contributing to the team’s success and embracing the school’s rich culture of excellence. I am eager to work with Coach Savage and the team to achieve our collective goals.”
Prior to spending this past season on staff at New Orleans, Dixon was a Player Development Assistant and Video Coordinator with the Birmingham Squadron, an NBA G League team and New Orleans Pelicans affiliate. Dixon worked under head coach TJ Saint with the Squadron.
“Cory has a sharp eye for player development with a professional basketball background as a player and coach,” said Saint. “He will have a major impact on helping the Bucs get back to the top of the SoCon.”
Dixon began his coaching career at New Orleans where he served as Director of Player Development and Internal Operations back in 2019. From there, Dixon was elevated to Director of Basketball Operations and On-Campus Recruiter in 2021-22. During his time in New Orleans, Dixon played for and coached under Mark Slessenger.
“Cory is one of the best young coaches in the business,” said Slessenger. “He brings a diverse background as an all-conference student-athlete, a seasoned professional player, as well as, coaching at the professional and Division I level. He is a tremendous builder and teacher. His passion for the game is evident, but his heart for helping others is always at the forefront. It was great to see Cory’s progression beginning as a staff member to our top assistant and to see him grow as an elite recruiter. I am confident he will be a great addition to Coach Savage and Johnson City.”
As a player, Dixon averaged 11.1 points and 6.4 rebounds per game in his two seasons at New Orleans. In 2014, Dixon earned all-Southland honors after posting 13.5 points and 7.7 rebounds per contest.
Following his collegiate career with the Privateers, Dixon played professionally in Australia, Belgium, England and Canada.
Dixon, a native of Argyle, Texas, earned his bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies from the University of New Orleans in 2014.
ETSU adds Cory Dixon as Assistant Basketball Coach
