Imagine a college basketball star, once hailed as a preseason all-conference standout, suddenly vanishing from the spotlight. That’s the story of Reese Dixon-Waters, a player who’s undergone more than just a name change. Two seasons ago, he was Reese Waters, a 6-foot-6 guard donning the number 14. Fast forward to today, and he’s Reese Dixon-Waters, standing at 6-foot-5, wearing number 39, and carrying a transformed mindset. But here’s where it gets controversial: while his height adjustment reflects San Diego State’s commitment to accuracy—unlike most programs—his journey over the past year has been anything but straightforward. A stress fracture in his right foot sidelined him, stripping away his sanctuary on the court and forcing him to confront life’s challenges head-on. And this is the part most people miss: Dixon-Waters didn’t just heal physically; he emerged mentally stronger, though not without scars. In a candid interview, he admitted, ‘It was the toughest time in my life. Basketball was my escape, and without it, everything in my personal life started crumbling.’ His love for the game is pure—he’d play for free, he says—yet he found himself withdrawing, even from loved ones, as his recovery dragged on. But now, he’s back, and his hyphenated last name and new jersey number symbolize a rebirth, a reclaiming of his identity and story. Boldly, he’s reintroduced his biological father’s name, despite their estrangement, acknowledging, ‘He’s part of my story.’ Number 39, meanwhile, nods to his teenage years, when basketball was simpler and life less complicated. Yet, despite his resilience, Dixon-Waters has become the forgotten man in the buzz surrounding the Aztecs. With NBA prospects like Miles Byrd and Magoon Gwath stealing the spotlight, his name rarely surfaces. But here’s the truth: this team’s success may hinge on his leadership and skill. Two years ago, he was the perimeter yin to Jaedon LeDee’s interior yang, dominating in a signature win at Gonzaga. Now, as a sixth-year senior, he’s regaining his rhythm, though coach Brian Dutcher notes, ‘He’s getting better, but it takes time.’ The question remains: Can Dixon-Waters recapture his former glory? And should he be overlooked so easily? This is where opinions divide: Is he a player past his prime, or a veteran poised for a comeback? One thing’s certain—he’s not seeking validation on social media. ‘I’m just gonna play,’ he says. But what do you think? Is Dixon-Waters the forgotten hero this team needs, or is his best basketball behind him? Let’s hear your take in the comments.
