When Kanon Catchings announced he'd entered the transfer portal following his freshman season at BYU, it didn't arrive as much of a surprise. After a year that saw him open as a starter, but turned as he saw decreasing returns deeper into the season, one thing was clear: Kanon had a long way to go, or Kevin Young and his staff didn't know how to manage the young hooper.
Dropping from a potential first-round selection all the way to our of draft contention, Kanon was understandably disappointed. Who could blame him for taking his talents elsewhere?
After flirting with North Carolina in the early stages of his recruitment, Kanon's setting for his second season of college hoops is finally official. You're looking at a Georgia Bulldog.
NEWS: BYU transfer forward Kanon Catchings has committed to Georgia, source told @On3sports. Also considered North Carolina.
— Joe Tipton (@TiptonEdits) April 14, 2025
The 6-9 freshman and former top-40 recruit averaged 7.2 points per game this season, shooting 35% from three. https://t.co/65W6UdQoly pic.twitter.com/X09ylsgS9g
Georgia's resurgence was a boost to the sudden rise in the depth of the SEC. As the conference broke records throughout the NCAA Tournament regarding their participation levels, Georgia was right alongside as one of the blossoming programs in the game.
For years, Georgia basketball has been a footnote in their conference. Even as they nurtured the eventual number one pick, Anthony Edwards, the Bulldogs struggled to build a competitive roster. This season's NBA-bound Asa Newell, however, led a squad that remained competitive against even the very best in their league.
That didn't quite hold up against Gonzaga in the round of 64, but I digress.
So now Kanon has his sights on an SEC run. Something of a reverse-Jaxson Robinson story, as he jumped from A&M and Arkansas over to BYU. Then it was a reverse-reverse-Robinson story, when he jumped ship once more to follow Mark Pope to Kentucky.
Man, that made me dizzy.
So now Kanon's NBA goals will take a new direction. Could he prove more prepared for the NBA game after a season in Athens, or are we soon to discover that his game still requires plenty of nurturing before he can arrive at the highest level of the game?
No matter the result, Catchings will have the support of Cougar Nation and the gratitude for some historic performances against the likes of Baylor and Arizona.
Best of luck in the next stop of your journey, Kanon.