Just a few days ago, it seemed almost certain that BYU transfer Kanon Catchings would join the UNC basketball program.
Catchings took an official visit to Chapel Hill on Friday, which wrapped up that evening. After no news came in on Friday, Tar Heels fans anxiously waited throughout Saturday and most of Sunday to hear when it would be made official.
Well, about that…
We did receive an update, but it’s not exactly what many were anticipating…
BREAKING: #UNC & Kanon Catchings update. Carolina has moved on from him, per source very close to the situation. More here….https://t.co/7ad2HMPdip pic.twitter.com/ShWyORo2eV
— Tar Heel Illustrated (@HeelIllustrated) April 14, 2025
Tar Heel Illustrated was the first to announce that North Carolina is no longer pursuing Kanon Catchings. Their report indicated that this decision came from North Carolina.
This raises a question: what changed in just a few days that led them to completely withdraw?
Did his campus visit not go as planned? Was there a major discrepancy in NIL negotiations? Or could it be that North Carolina couldn’t meet Catchings’ expectations for guaranteed playing time or a starting position?
There are many possible explanations, but for now, everyone is left puzzled by this situation.
My immediate thought is that they might be shifting their focus to Jarin Stevenson, another highly sought-after player back in high school. If Stevenson hinted that he would choose Chapel Hill, the coaching staff may have felt he was a better fit for their needs.
Additionally, this might suggest that Drake Powell is inclined to return (fingers crossed!), which could have made Catchings hesitant about committing, fearing a bench role.
While we’re all eager to understand the reasons behind North Carolina’s change in direction, the crucial question now is how the UNC basketball program will adapt. They still have gaps to fill, and their next move will be significant, especially since they are stepping away from a player they were closely linked to.
This situation highlights just how unpredictable transfer portal recruiting can be… On to the next target!
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