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Abington's Eric Dixon postpones recruiting visit to Charlottesville

Abington's Eric Dixon made the decision after the white nationalist rally and violence in Charlottesville.

Eric Dixon (center) of Abington holds the pose after hitting a 3-pointer against Plymouth Whitemarsh in the district semifinals in February.
Eric Dixon (center) of Abington holds the pose after hitting a 3-pointer against Plymouth Whitemarsh in the district semifinals in February.Read moreCHARLES FOX / Staff Photographer
    by Rick O'Brien | Columnist
    Published 

One of the area's top basketball recruits has postponed an unofficial visit to the University of Virginia after the white nationalist rally in Charlottesville over the weekend.

Abington junior Eric Dixon, a 6-foot-6, 250-pound forward, was scheduled to leave for Virginia on Tuesday morning with his father, also named Eric, and cousin Jesse.

Violence broke out near the college Saturday morning between white nationalists and counter-protestors. At least three people were killed and 35 were injured in an event marked by street brawls.

"They're having those riots down there, so I decided to reschedule," Dixon said Monday. "It's a safety reason."

Virginia is one of 12 Division I programs to offer a scholarship to Dixon, who plays AAU ball for WeR1.

"It's still a great place, a great basketball program, and a great school," Dixon said. "I plan to visit there eventually. I'm just not sure when right now."

Dixon averaged 19.2 points last season in leading Abington to a 24-5 record, the Suburban One League National Conference championship, and the PIAA District 1 Class 6A title.

The Willow Grove resident also has offers from Georgetown, Miami, Oklahoma State, Penn State, Pittsburgh and Temple, among others. He was a finalist this summer for the 2017 USA under-16 national team.