Slept on Signings: Three Underrated High-Impact Transfers
The shockwave of loosened transfer rules rippled through college basketball this offseason. Nearly 2,700 players entered the portal looking for new programs to call home. The whirlwind of movement has drastically shaken up the sport's landscape, with more star players than ever changing squads. Equally crucial to landing star players is identifying value and high-impact talent, as Florida’s championship run proved. It’s daunting, as coaches must sift through an oversaturated portal filled with talent and risk. In today’s game, slept-on signings can have a tremendous payoff.
Wing Kanon Catchings had NBA expectations entering this season, but a scaled-down role at BYU tanked his stock. Additionally, with the commitment of number one prospect AJ Dybantsa, Catchings would’ve likely struggled to play and catch scouts’ eyes consistently. For a chance to boost his NBA stock, Catchings is taking his talents to Athens, Georgia. Mike White has revamped Georgia basketball over the past few years, landing major commitments from Asa Newell, Silas Demary, and Dakota Leffew. His aggressive recruiting has carried over into this offseason, with Kanon Catchings being the Bulldog’s marquee signing. While not having impressive stats, averaging just seven points and two rebounds off 41% shooting, Catchings has all the tools necessary to be a high-impact player. He stands at six feet nine with a nearly seven-foot wingspan, allowing him to switch across multiple positions and be used in various offensive schemes. Catchings has a smooth jumper with fluid mechanics, especially from three. While having lapses defensively, he’s a talented shot blocker with a block percentage of over three. To take his game to the next level, Catchings must improve off the bounce and maintain consistent defensive prowess. The bet on upside is clear for Mike White and the Bulldogs and can have a massive payoff.
Malique Ewin was one of Florida State's few bright spots last season, and his departure from the program was devastating. As usual, John Calipari was assertive and aggressively pursued Ewin, which resulted in his swift commitment. The former JUCO product has a rare archetype: a mobile big man who plays inside and out. He shows confidence and comfort handling the ball outside the paint, initiating offense in transition and half-court. However, most % of his field goal attempts, specifically 84%, are taken in the paint. His strong frame and nimble footwork allow him to bang up in the post and score at the rim at will efficiently. Ewin is also a talented rebounder, averaging nearly eight a game last season. His high motor and ability to outwork opponents on the glass make him a consistent presence on both ends. He makes the most of off-ball opportunities, scoring off cuts and putbacks. As a defensive player, Ewin has grown tremendously, although still struggling to keep up with guards and wings. Ewin should emerge as one of the SEC’s best big men, giving Calipari a win-now piece to complement his young guns.
Transferring from a mid-major to a Power Five conference is challenging for any player, and many struggle to replicate the same production. These players require a specific skill set that can translate against bigger, faster, and more talented opponents. Nick Dorn is a prime example of a player primed to take that leap for Indiana. Being a six-foot-seven guard, Dorn used his height and length to dominate mid-major opponents, averaging 15.2 points a game at Elon. Their offensive scheme centered around Dorn’s ability to create mismatches on the perimeter and mid-range. His size allowed him to shoot over smaller guards, while his handle and footwork let him attack slower wings off the bounce. Dorn is a talented finisher, leveraging his length for crafty finishes with either hand. His shooting has continued to be a strength, especially as a spot-up player, where he thrives off the catch. The skill that’ll be most vital is his ability to play fast. Many mid-major guys struggle adjusting to the tempo of Power Five basketball. This should be no issue for Dorn, as he naturally plays fast and in transition. Evolving off-ball and as a creator will be integral in Dorn’s development, as he will have to play in a scaled-down role where the ball isn’t in his hands often.
