Who I Watched (8/8): James Minlend (FIBA Under-18 AfroBasket)
Evaluating the Cameroon prospect and new Brewster Academy player while watching the 2026 FIBA Under-18 AfroBasket.
I watched Cameroon vs. Rwanda on August 8, 2026. This game was part of the FIBA Under-18 AfroBasket.
Here are in-game and background notes on one prospect I scouted and will continue to keep a close eye on going forward:
🇨🇲 James Minlend (Cameroon)
BIRTHDAY: September 4, 2008
WEIGHT: 195 pounds
BOX SCORE: 29 PTS (10/21 FG, 6/10 2P, 4/11 3P, 5/6 FT), 3 REB (2o), 0 AST to 2 TOV, 4 STL, 0 BLK, 1 PF in 31:18 MINS
PLAYS FOR: Brewster Academy (New Hampshire, USA)
PREDICTION FOR FUTURE: Power 4 commit
It seems like James Minlend has been underrecruited ahead of his final season before hitting college basketball. I expect that to change over the next six months or so, especially if Minlend keeps playing like he did in this game.
Minlend currently has offers from Washington State and UNC Greensboro. He is ranked #197 nationally, per Rivals’ industry ranking composite.
Incredibly willing three-point shooter with some flashes off movement. Took 11 triples in this game
Form is a little janky with his shot pocket really over the right shoulder, though he gets nice elevation on his shot. Has a load up where he kinda sweeps the ball through to that right side, which isn’t that smooth
Mechanics might need some tinkering. Question is how much and if he’ll be comfortable afterwards. Had one really terrible miss where he hit the side of the backboard
Had one really interesting half-court drive using a screen left and then contorting his body at the basket to finish right
Physical enough attacking the rim the few times he did (6 FTA)
Threw down a couple of transition dunks (stream was glitchy at this point)
Couldn’t finish a few times vs. length
I’ll be watching to see what type of in-between game he has, if he has any
Wasn’t really an environment where he could sit down in a stance and guard, but disruptive on this end
Used his length to poke away balls and coerce turnovers
POA potential?
0 AST and didn’t really look to pass much in this game. Doesn’t seem like it’ll be his role this tournament
His facilitation will be something to watch for the rest of the event
Dad is Charles Minlend, who played for St. John’s from 1992-1997 and is among the program’s all-time leading rebounders. Had a 10+ year career as a pro in France, Israel, South Korea, and Ukraine. Mom is Tracey Minlend. Sister is Ashley. Brothers are Jordan and Charles Jr (~6-foot-4/5), who played college basketball at Louisville and the University of San Francisco + has since played in the BAL, Spain, and France. Uncle is Ray Minlend, who played college basketball for Davidson and St. Francis Brooklyn.
In 2022-23, was at Hickory Ridge (Harrisburg, NC). In August 2023, it was reported that he had reclassified into the 2027 high school year.
Joined Concord Academy (NC) in the 2023-24 high school season. In 31 games, averaged 1.9 PTS, 1.1 REB, 0.5 AST to 0.6 TOV, 0.2 STL, 0.2 BLK on 46.8 FG% (22/47) / 54.3 2P% (19/35) / 25.0 3P% (3/12) / 57.1 FT% (12/21), per MaxPreps.
In 35 games (22.0 MINS) during the 2024-25 season as a sophomore for Concord, averaged 11.3 PTS, 3.7 REB (1.2o), 2.3 AST to 2.0 TOV, 1.4 STL, 0.3 BLK, 1.1 PF on 48.2 FG% (148/307) / 56.8 2P% (104/183) / 35.5 3P% (44/124) / 69.1 FT% (38/55), per MaxPreps.
In 32 games (22.9 MINS) during the 2025-26 season as a junior for Concord, averaged 13.3 PTS, 4.2 REB (1.6o), 2.1 AST to 1.7 TOV, 1.6 STL, 0.6 BLK, 1.3 PF on 52.8 FG% (171/324) / 62.7 2P% (146/233) / 27.5 3P% (25/91) / 66.3 FT% (57/86), per MaxPreps.
Transferred from Concord to Brewster Academy ahead of his last season of high school basketball.
Playing AAU ball on the PRO16 circuit with Team 1 of 1 Elite. Previously played for Team Ish at the 15U level.
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