Jan. 11
How about a salute to Maryland senior Juan Dixon! He has been super, scintillating and sensational for coach Gary Williams' Terps.

	Guard Juan Dixon (3) was the ACC player of the year and led Maryland to its first national title.

To me, Dixon has been the top big guard so far this season.

I would pick him for a number of reasons: his offensive prowess (he can make the long-range trifecta), his talent in the lane (and hitting the medium-range jumper), and his ability to explode to the goal on drives and in transition.

Dixon also makes things happen defensively. His anticipation and awareness, as well as his ability to read the passer, have helped him lead the ACC in steals the past two years.

Dixon could become the fourth player to lead the league three consecutive seasons, joining Johnny Rhodes of Maryland, N.C. State's Chris Corchiani and Wake Forest's Muggsy Bogues. Rhodes and Corchiani are the only players ahead of him on the ACC's all-time steals list.

I honestly feel that Dixon could have been a football defensive back given his anticipation and speed. How special is this young man? Dixon could join John Lucas as Maryland's only players chosen All-ACC first team for three straight seasons (Lucas did it from 1974 through '76).

One thing that makes Dixon so special is his passion. You can see his enthusiasm and love for the game. He was brilliant against North Carolina earlier this week in a game I called for ESPN.

Dixon also has a chance to become Maryland's all-time leading scorer if he finishes strongly. He is currently sixth on the list, and the names in front of him are pretty impressive: Len Bias, Albert King, Adrian Branch, Lucas and Tom McMillen.

Watching Dixon and Maryland blow out North Carolina, it's hard to believe this is the same team that lost at Oklahoma. Sooners coach Kelvin Sampson has done a super job, and he would be one of my candidates for midseason coach of the year (but Texas Tech's Bob Knight would get my vote).

Dixon has a chance to become Maryland's all-time leading scorer if he finishes strongly.

Dixon helped set the tempo early against UNC, creating turnover after turnover, leading to easy baskets in transition. I may have to add Dixon to my five-member All-Maryland team. As of now, that squad looks like this: Lucas, McMillen, Bias, ESPN's Len Elmore and Buck Williams.

Maryland will be tough to beat at Cole Field House this season, the team's last there. The Terps have an advantage over most teams in the backcourt with the experience of Dixon and point guard Steve Blake. Maryland is well-drilled and can control tempo.

There is no doubt that Dixon is one of the top 10 players in America. He has been awesome with a capital A this season.