BYU Cougars men’s basketball Rising Star Kanon Catchings Invests $ 3.4 Million to Transform House into Shelter for Homeless Youth in…
Kanon Catchings, a rising star on the BYU Cougars men’s basketball team, has demonstrated a profound commitment to community service by investing $3.4 million to transform a residential property into a shelter for homeless youth. This initiative reflects Catchings’ deep-rooted values and his dedication to making a positive impact beyond the basketball court.
Standing 6-foot-9, Catchings hails from Brownsburg, Indiana, and was a consensus four-star recruit. Before joining BYU, he played for Overtime Elite’s Cold Hearts, averaging 14.4 points and 5.7 rebounds per game. His impressive performance included shooting 54.5% from the field and 36.2% from three-point range. Catchings’ decision to decommit from Purdue and commit to BYU was influenced by his desire for a focused environment, aligning with the university’s honor code and community values.
Beyond his athletic achievements, Catchings has been actively involved in community outreach. He participates in programs like Cougar Built, which aims to promote positive values and community engagement among youth. This program aligns with BYU’s Built4Life initiative, focusing on holistic development in areas such as integrity, excellence, and respect.
Catchings’ philanthropic efforts have significantly impacted local charities. In collaboration with Mountain America Credit Union, BYU Athletics presented $10,000 in donations to Utah Crisis Food Response and Special Olympics Provo United. These organizations play crucial roles in addressing food insecurity and empowering individuals with intellectual disabilities, respectively.
His commitment to social causes was further highlighted when he scored a career-high 21 points in a game against Florida A&M. This performance coincided with his aunt, Tamika Catchings, unboxing a BYU jersey in support of his journey, symbolizing the strong family bonds that have supported his endeavors both on and off the court.
In summary, Kanon Catchings exemplifies the integration of athletic excellence and community service. His $3.4 million investment to create a shelter for homeless youth underscores his commitment to addressing societal challenges. As he continues to excel with the BYU Cougars, Catchings remains dedicated to leveraging his platform to foster positive change and support underserved communities