BREAKING: BYU Transfer Kanon Catchings Flips Commitment to UNC Basketball
BREAKING: BYU Transfer Kanon Catchings Flips Commitment to UNC Basketball
In a surprising twist during a busy offseason, former BYU forward Kanon Catchings has officially flipped his commitment and is heading to Chapel Hill to join the North Carolina Tar Heels. The announcement, which caught many in the college basketball world off guard, adds a major piece to UNC’s 2025 roster and underscores head coach Hubert Davis’ aggressive approach to rebuilding a national title-contending squad.
Catchings, a 6-foot-9 wing with a smooth shooting stroke and elite athleticism, initially committed to BYU after entering the transfer portal earlier this summer. At the time, it looked like a perfect match — a rising program gaining a versatile two-way player with NBA potential. But in a matter of weeks, the momentum shifted. After a renewed push by UNC’s staff and an official visit to Chapel Hill, Catchings had a change of heart.
Now, he’s Tar Heel bound — and UNC fans have every reason to celebrate.
Kanon Catchings is not your average transfer. A former top-50 recruit and standout at Purdue before a brief stint at BYU, Catchings has shown flashes of brilliance early in his college career. Known for his ability to score from all three levels, defend multiple positions, and run the floor with guard-like agility, he brings a rare combination of size, skill, and upside. At 6’9”, he’s the kind of player who can stretch the floor on offense and switch effectively on defense — a modern-day forward built for the high-tempo, positionless game UNC loves to play.
For Coach Davis and the Tar Heels, this commitment is massive. The loss of key players to the NBA Draft and graduation left significant gaps in UNC’s rotation, particularly on the wing. Catchings fills that hole instantly and could even compete for a starting spot right away. His ability to score in transition, knock down open threes, and defend bigger wings gives the Heels a much-needed boost as they prepare for another brutal ACC schedule.
What makes this flip even more impactful is the signal it sends to the rest of the country: North Carolina is still one of the premier destinations for elite talent. Despite a rollercoaster couple of seasons since Roy Williams’ retirement, the Tar Heels are proving they can still win top-tier recruiting battles — even in the new transfer portal era.
Catchings’ decision also highlights the power of fit and opportunity. While BYU offered a promising role and a growing program, UNC offers a national spotlight, legendary tradition, and the chance to compete deep into March. For a player with NBA aspirations like Catchings, that matters.
The Tar Heel faithful are already buzzing with excitement. Social media lit up moments after the news broke, with fans welcoming Catchings to Chapel Hill and projecting him as a major contributor in the season ahead.
Kanon Catchings is now a Tar Heel.
A game-changer for UNC — and a move that could shake up the ACC race in 2025.