With a record of 14-3 (3-1 CSL), the 2024-25 men’s basketball season is moving in full blast. They have managed to seamlessly integrate two new key players— Kaidan Chatham, a senior from Niles North, and George Richardson, a senior coming from DePaul Prep. Both Chatham and Richardson were prominent players at their old school as Richardson won the 3A State Championship with Depaul Prep. Chatham also had a solid season with Niles North as they went 24-8 and was a perfect 10-0 in conference. The two are coming to Evanston this year with a common goal in mind: winning state.
When reflecting upon goals for this season, both players confirmed that they are hoping to play at the next level as individuals. As their aspirations are to advance to play at the next level in their post-high school plans, the transfer students are going through this season with extreme effort.
“Preseason and off season at Evanston is 100% more intense, it gets you prepared for basketball beyond just Evanston,” Richardson said when comparing Evanston to his previous experience at Depaul Prep.
With intense scheduling and practicing, the preseason has shaped these athletes, and been a big reason why the team meshes so well together. The two worked hard to be a big part of the rotation early in the season. They wouldn’t have been able to do this without the welcoming basketball community.
“My individual goal is to pick up some offers from college, and the team goal is to make it to Champaign and win the state championship,” said Richardson.
The Kits left the 2023-24 season with a record of 20-11, and placed 4th in the conference. This was a down-year for the Kits as they are normally competing at the top of the CSL. Chathams goal is to “bring winning basketball back to the Evanston community”. He has made major contributions already averaging 9.7 points per game, as well as being a main asset on the defensive side of the ball.
Coming into the season these transfers were eager to showcase their talents and off-season work to make a strong impression on their new home crowd.
“I’m not really nervous about anything, but I was very excited to play in front of the home crowd,” said Chatham, reflecting on his thoughts going into the season.
With a shared commitment to progress, both of these transfers contribute to the winning mentality that drives this team forward.
They’ve already accomplished bringing many wins back to Evanston this season as the team had a very strong start to their season and is competing to win the CSL this year along with New Trier and Niles North. Richardson and Chatham also hope to win the sectional and bring Evanston back to State for the first time since 2019.
Athletic Director Chris Livatino is very happy with how seamlessly the transfers have integrated into the team. He speaks very highly of Richardson and Chatham, and he’s happy the boys are working well and contributing in a big way.
“They seem like great teammates. From what I can tell, they’re good students, good people. So, it’s great to have them be a part of our community,” said Livatino. “I don’t want to be one of the schools that seeks out transfer opportunities but I think we’re an awesome school and one of the best schools in Illinois, so it makes sense that kids would want to come here and play sports. It’s great to have them involved in our school community team.”
