Center Rafael Maia Out with Thumb Injury

Health problems continue to plague Dixon’s 2015 squad with the news of Rafael Maia injuring his thumb. The injury occurred during a workout and his right hand is in a soft cast. He will be re-evaluated again in two weeks.

 

This is especially bad news since Maia was expected by many to be the starting center this season. The Brown transfer averaged 9.9 points and 8.7 rebounds per game in the IVY League last year. His physical style is great fit for a Dixon team that was lacking the dominant rebounding of years past.

 

Maia joins a long line of injured Panthers. James Robinson and Sterling Smith both had offseason foot surgeries. As well, Cameron Johnson is still recovering from his shoulder injury of a year ago. Finally, Chris Jones has had a toe problem and fellow frontcourt member with Maia, Alonzo Nelson-Ododa has an eye injury.

 

The 7-foot beast that is junior college transfer Rozelle Nix could be tasked with starting center duties now. The injuries to both Maia and Alonzo have given him the chance to seize control of the position battle. Dixon will definitely need him to step up during this time. If Nix doesn’t we could be looking at another season where Dixon is forced into playing a more small ball type lineup.