A New Chapter for Reese Dixon-Waters
Two seasons ago, he was known as Reese Waters, standing at 6-foot-6 and sporting jersey number 14. This season, he’s rebranded as Reese Dixon-Waters, now at 6-foot-5 and wearing number 39. While his height may have dropped by an inch—as San Diego State adopts more accurate player measurements—his personal journey has been anything but short.
Overcoming Adversity
Dixon-Waters faced one of the most challenging periods of his life when a stress fracture in his right foot sidelined him. The pain from this injury marked the one-year anniversary recently and tested his resilience both as an athlete and as an individual. Nevertheless, he feels that he has emerged from the ordeal healthier and stronger.
Reflection on Tough Times
In a candid conversation following practice, Dixon-Waters opened up about how his injury affected him. He struggled without the escape that basketball provided, causing personal challenges to spiral out of control. “It was definitely the toughest time in my life,” he said, expressing his deep love for the game that transcends fame or money.
The Forgotten Player
Despite being a standout player in previous seasons, Dixon-Waters finds himself somewhat overlooked as excitement builds around other team members like Miles Byrd and Magoon Gwath. In his prime, he was a crucial part of the Aztecs, contributing significantly to their success, including a dominant performance against Gonzaga.
Finding His Rhythm
According to SDSU coach Brian Dutcher, Dixon-Waters is gradually regaining his rhythm after being out of play for an extended period. As a sixth-year senior, he exudes veteran presence, displaying a solid understanding of the game and leadership qualities both on and off the court.
A Personal Transformation
Having gone through this tough journey, Dixon-Waters reflects on his past, acknowledging a sense of selfishness during his struggles. While he continued giving away basketball shoes to young fans, he admits he distanced himself from loved ones, leading to unresolved relationships.
Embracing His Identity
Deciding to reintroduce his father’s name into his own demonstrates growth and acceptance of his identity. Although not a significant figure in his life, Dixon-Waters recognizes the importance of his father’s name as part of his story. This season, he chose the number 39 as a tribute to his past and the place where his love for basketball first flourished.
