Dylan Disu: A Scholar-Athlete Leading the Pack in the Big 12

Dylan Disu, a standout graduate forward for the University of Texas, has once again cemented his reputation both on and off the court by being named the Big 12 Conference Men’s Basketball Scholar-Athlete of the Year. This accolade, announced by the league office on Wednesday, marks a significant achievement for Disu, as it is the second time he has received this prestigious recognition, having been honored previously in the SEC during the 2020-21 season while playing for Vanderbilt.

Dylan Disu showcasing his skills on the hardwood.

Academic Excellence

Disu’s academic achievements are just as impressive as his athletic prowess. A two-time Academic All-Big 12 First Team selection, he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Human Dimensions of Organizations from The University of Texas in Spring 2023. Currently, he is pursuing a master’s degree in Sport Management, boasting an impressive 4.00 GPA.

In his fifth year at Texas, the 2023-24 season has seen Disu rise as a critical contributor to the Longhorns. Despite missing the first nine games of the season due to left foot surgery, he quickly made a significant impact upon his return. Disu participated in 25 games, starting in 20, and showcased his scoring ability, averaging 15.5 points per game and securing 5.0 rebounds per game.

Dominating the Court

In addition to his scoring and rebounding, Disu has also demonstrated his defensive capabilities. He registered 28 blocks and tied for fourth on the team with 32 steals. His shooting efficiency was remarkable—he converted 45.1% of his shots from beyond the arc and 81.2% from the free-throw line.

“Dylan has proven to be a valuable asset to our team, both in scoring and defense. His hard work and determination set a standard that all our players strive for,” said his coach.

As a testament to his hard work, Disu was honored as the Big 12’s Most Improved Player, and he also received accolades including All-Big 12 First Team recognition from both coaches and the NABC All-District 8 Second Team.

The emblem of the Big 12 Conference, showcasing student-athlete excellence.

Stellar Performance in Conference Play

In Big 12 Conference play, Disu excelled even further, ranking second in the league for scoring with an impressive average of 17.2 points per game. He not only provided consistent scoring but also chipped in with 26 steals and 19 blocks across 26.7 minutes of play each game. His three-point shooting during conference games was particularly exceptional, hitting 48.6% of his attempts.

In a remarkable career spanning five seasons at both Texas and Vanderbilt, Disu has played in 136 games, starting 104 of them. With career totals of 1,296 points (averaging 9.5 ppg), 704 rebounds (5.2 rpg), and 146 blocks (1.1 bpg), his contributions to the game are evident. He has reached double figures in scoring 64 times—nine of which were 20-point games, including a standout 30-point performance. Disu also recorded 17 career double-doubles, showcasing his all-around game.

Looking Ahead

As he continues his journey in collegiate basketball, Dylan Disu exemplifies what it means to be a student-athlete. Balancing a rigorous academic schedule while excelling on the court, he serves as an inspiration to many aspiring young athletes. With the rest of the season ahead, fans eagerly await to see how Disu will continue to shine as both a leader and a scholar in the world of sports.

The future is bright for student-athletes like Disu, who embody hard work and dedication.