North Carolina is really becoming a hot-bed of dual-sport stars, especially more on the national level. There have been plenty of names in the past, and that trend seems to be continuing today. 2026 Kendre Harrison was certainly a big name both for football and basketball, as the now Oregon commit has proven to be a force on both the field and court. His teammate of 2026 Dionte Neal could also be put in that picture as well.
Next up though could be 2027 6’5 Jaxon Dollar from East Lincoln. As a football prospect, Dollar has been racking up the offers all around the country as a 210-pound TE/DE, as he holds 20+ offers from high-major programs all around. Schools like Rutgers, Wake Forest, Texas, Clemson, Maryland, Wisconsin, Georgia, and so many others have extended an offer his way for his play on the football field.
But, recently, Dollar received his first Division 1 offer for basketball, coming from UIC. Could this be the start of his recruitment heating up on the basketball court?
Phenom Hoops had a chance to watch Dollar this past high school season, and we could see the talent is there, along with potential. Back in December, Patrick O’Brien had this to say about his game:
“Dollar was a newer name for us at Phenom Hoops, but he certainly garnered our attention and should be one to monitor more. For a sophomore, he has a great frame and is extremely athletic, displaying that on several occasions when he was throwing it down or even blocking shots defensively. The two-sport athlete, though, is able to operate from multiple levels, scoring out in transition, finishing through contact or at the rim, and is comfortable in knocking down shots from a variety of levels. He can also be a versatile piece defensively with his 6’4 strong frame, guarding smaller or bigger opponents. He has had a strong start to the season and should be one to check out more.”
We caught up with Dollar recently to talk about his first basketball offer, along with everything going on for football. Check out what he had to say.
Phenom: Wanted to look back at what this year has been like on the basketball court? What was your mindset in showing that you can play ball and you’re not just a football star?
Dollar: Coach Payne made sure I understood early that the basketball recruiting field is a lot different than football. He told me that being bigger, faster, and stronger than everyone is not going to get the job done. I had to show that I have a good understanding of the game, great vision, and the ability to shoot the ball if I want a chance to catch the attention of a D1 basketball program. I believe I have what it takes to play either/both sports at the highest level one day, so every day I woke up and tried to prove just that.
Phenom: What was it like to get that first D1 offer for basketball?
Dollar: The football offers have been really cool, but getting that first basketball offer meant a lot to me. I’ve been working really hard, and I also know how hard it is to get opportunities in this sport, so in a sense, it validated the belief that I had, my family had, and my coach had in my abilities as a hooper.
Phenom: What did they have to say when they offered?
Dollar: The head coach said, “The entire coaching staff and I have sat down and watched your film, and we don’t know what you are thinking yet about football or basketball, but we are going to offer you an athletic scholarship to come play at the University of Illinois-Chicago. I hope you are actually going to look into UIC for basketball because we all think you would be a great college basketball player”.
Phenom: What other schools have been reaching out your way?
Dollar: Right now, I have North Carolina, Texas, Tennessee, and NC State all saying they will be watching me very closely this coming season. My contact though has been between them and my AAU coach, Brandon Payne. They have been interested in my potential but surprised by my young age. I have a lot to prove this coming season. The only basketball interest that I’ve received directly, though, has been from Appalachian State and UIC.
Phenom: Would you be looking to play basketball or football at the next level?
Dollar: At this time, I’m still looking for opportunities to potentially play both. I know it’s tough, but that’s my dream right now.