Basketball

Colben Landrew Joins USA U18 National Team Ahead of UConn Freshman Season

The Alabama native will compete in the 2026 FIBA U18 Men's AmeriCup in Leon, Mexico, before arriving on campus at the University of Connecticut

International Call-Up

Colben Landrew, a 6‑foot‑6 small forward from Alabama, has earned a spot on the USA Basketball Men's U18 National Team that will travel to Leon, Mexico, for the 2026 FIBA U18 Men's AmeriCup, scheduled for June 1‑7. His selection underscores his rising profile among the nation's top prospects.

The AmeriCup will gather the continent's most promising under‑18 talents, offering Landrew a chance to test his abilities against international competition. Ranking 25th in the Class of 2026 according to 247Sports, he joins a roster that blends size, skill, and youthful energy.

At 235 pounds, Landrew combines length with a physical presence that coaches say could influence games immediately. His athletic profile reflects a player who has already attracted attention from major college programs.

Path to UConn

Landrew honed his game at Wheeler High in Georgia before committing to the University of Connecticut in mid‑October, after an official visit to Storrs. The commitment marked a decisive moment in his recruitment, aligning him with a program seeking to rebuild its frontcourt.

Next season, he is expected to vie with rising senior Jayden Ross for a starting small forward spot, a competition that could shape the Huskies' interior dynamics early in the year.

The upcoming AmeriCup experience will serve as a valuable preview of the intensity and tactical demands he will encounter when he eventually dons a UConn jersey, as the team aims to restore its national relevance.

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