BREAKING NEWS: Fantastic intel drop by David on UNC transitioning from Catchings to Stevenson last night….

BREAKING NEWS: Fantastic intel drop by David on UNC transitioning from Catchings to Stevenson last night….

BREAKING NEWS: UNC Transitions from Kanon Catchings to 5-Star Power Forward Caleb Stevenson

In a significant shift on the college basketball recruiting front, the University of North Carolina (UNC) has officially pivoted away from pursuing former Purdue commit Kanon Catchings, now setting its sights on elite 2025 forward Caleb Stevenson. According to trusted insider David Sisk, UNC’s coaching staff decided late last night to move on from Catchings, signaling a new direction in their frontcourt recruiting strategy.

Catchings, a 6-foot-9 forward from Brownsburg, Indiana, had previously committed to Purdue before requesting and receiving a release from his National Letter of Intent (NLI). A highly touted top-40 prospect, Catchings briefly reopened his recruitment, drawing interest from blue-blood programs like UNC. However, questions surrounding his fit and role in Hubert Davis’ system led to UNC cooling on the idea of bringing him into the fold. A source close to the situation confirmed that the Tar Heels were no longer actively pursuing Catchings and had turned their attention elsewhere.

That “elsewhere” appears to be firmly locked on Caleb Stevenson.

Stevenson, a rising star in the 2025 class, has emerged as one of the premier power forwards in the country. Known for his dynamic athleticism, soft shooting touch, and relentless motor, Stevenson would bring a different skill set to UNC’s frontcourt—a more versatile, high-upside presence with long-term potential. The move to prioritize him now, with Catchings off the board, seems to indicate that UNC is leaning toward building a more modern, switch-heavy lineup capable of stretching the floor and running in transition.

According to Sisk, the coaching staff made this transition after an in-depth internal evaluation, including input from player development staff and scouting reports. “There was mutual interest, but ultimately the fit with Catchings wasn’t ideal for the direction the program is heading,” said one source familiar with the decision. “With Stevenson, they see a player who can be developed into a true two-way threat and someone who fits better alongside the rest of the 2025 class.”

UNC’s 2025 class is already shaping up to be one of the best in the country, with commitments from several high-profile prospects. Adding Stevenson would only strengthen that group, positioning the Tar Heels as strong contenders for both ACC dominance and a deep NCAA Tournament run in years to come.

As for Catchings, other programs are still in the hunt, including Georgia, NC State, and Florida State, each of which could offer him a more immediate role in their respective systems. His next move will be closely watched, but for now, UNC is officially out of the picture.

The decision to pivot from Catchings to Stevenson reflects a calculated and forward-thinking move by the Tar Heels’ staff. With Stevenson now squarely in their crosshairs, all eyes will be on Chapel Hill to see if they can close the deal on one of the most coveted prospects in the country.