What if you could bring a star down to your level? What if you were just an arm’s length away? Would you try to capture its brilliance, or simply bask in its extraordinary glow? Encountering greatness up close is rare, but for BYU freshman Kanon Catchings, stars have always been within reach.
The legacy of the Catchings family began in 1974 when Harvey Catchings made his NBA debut with the Philadelphia 76ers. Over an 11-year NBA career, he became a symbol of basketball success, much like Richard Williams Jr., the father of tennis stars Serena and Venus Williams. Harvey’s daughters, Tamika and Tauja, continued the family’s basketball dynasty.
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To grasp the magnitude of Tamika Catchings’ success, one must look at her incredible journey. She was not only a former player for the Indiana Fever from 2002 to 2016 but also a role model for her nephew, Kanon. “I looked up to her a lot,” Kanon remembers. “She was one of the first basketball players I knew.”
Tamika Catchings, despite facing a hearing disability, captured three high school state championships across Illinois and Texas. In college, she led the Tennessee Lady Vols to an unforgettable NCAA championship in 1998, under the legendary coach Pat Summitt. Her achievements set the stage for modern college stars like Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark.
Throughout her WNBA career, which she spent entirely with the Fever, Catchings achieved remarkable feats, including leading her team to a championship in 2012. With accolades such as the WNBA MVP award in 2011 and ten All-Star selections, she’s a true icon. Notably, she earned four Olympic Gold medals between 2004 and 2016 and holds the all-time WNBA record for steals with 1,074.
Kanon’s mother, Tauja Catchings, also has an impressive basketball legacy, having led her high school team to two state championships and earning the title of Illinois’ Ms. Basketball in 1996. At the University of Illinois, she became the first player in Illini history to surpass 1,400 points, 700 rebounds, 300 assists, and 200 steals, establishing herself as one of Illinois’ best players.
Now, the newest talent in the Catchings family, Kanon, stands at an impressive 6’9″ and has made a splash at Brigham Young University (BYU). With a goal of showcasing his ability to guard every position on the court, Kanon believes this versatility sets him apart from other recruits.
During his junior season in high school, Kanon averaged 17.5 points and 4.8 rebounds before joining Overtime Elite (OTE). There, he maintained collegiate eligibility while averaging 14.4 points and 5.7 rebounds per game against strong competition.
Kanon’s decision to join BYU was significantly influenced by his former OTE coach, Tim Fanning. “That was a big drawing point for me when I came to BYU,” he explains, emphasizing the importance of having a familiar figure on the coaching staff.
At BYU, Catchings aims to refine his shooting and physicality, looking to elevate his skill set beyond the expectations associated with his family name. Drawing inspiration from his Hall of Fame aunt, he hopes to display the family’s renowned defensive instincts while developing every aspect of his game.
“I feel like I’ve improved a lot,” Kanon states. “In ball handling, passing, defense especially, but also just trying to be as consistent as I can in everything I do on the court.”
As he heads into what could be a breakout freshman season, Kanon carries the weight of familial expectations on his shoulders. However, with the legacy of basketball greatness guiding him, he possesses the tools and mentorship needed to forge a path of his own—aiming not just to reach for the stars, but to become one himself.
Portraits via BYU Athletics. Read More From Source link
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