Twitter: @flyyy_Q
Instagram: @flyyy_q
*Photo taken by Jay Anderson (@HereGoJayAgain)
Last week (5/10), I highlighted 2022 standout Noah Batchelor in a personal feature after having the chance to catch up with him following the 2019 ‘Big Shots Team Loaded' tournament. His play on the Mid-Atlantic Select 17u squad caught my eye, along with others who watched him and his teammates in action. One of the youngest on the roster, Batchelor shows a great deal of promise but others should know about his talented teammates as well, if not already aware. Rising senior Quinton Mincey '20, also referred to as ‘Q' by his teammates and coaches, is one of those such prospects in the bunch. The 6'6' wing had a very solid weekend showing during the ‘Big Shots' event and looks completely focused to make the most of his last summer of travel ball. His status on the recruiting trail has earned the attraction of some notable mid-major programs and should continue to strengthen if he keeps producing in his two-way approach.
Looking back on the 2018-19 high school season, Mincey had a stellar junior outing as a member of the Eleanor Roosevelt High School (Greenbelt, MD) men's basketball team, which went on to once again achieve one of the highest feats possible: a state championship. The Raiders successfully took down Broadneck High School (Annapolis, MD) 77-48 on March 16 for their fourth Maryland Public Secondary Schools Athletic Association (MPSSAA) 4A state title in program history; finishing at an overall clip of 22-2.
Now, with Mid-Atlantic Select, that winning mentality and confidence remains evident in Mincey's play as a competitive perimeter threat. His long arms, explosive burst, and size-up ability all help him perform strongest as a slasher. It doesn't take many dribbles for him to get near the rim and, once getting a paint touch, he can either throw it down with authority or force a foul called. Another area I especially like about Mincey's game revolves around his mid-range shooting. As most know, it's an important skill to develop if one wishes to become a next-level scorer…a notion that the Maryland product already appears to have fully recognize. He has a quick release with no hesitation once he faces up around the free-throw line spot on the floor. Expanding his range should continue to see work, but other facets that include a solid handle, aggressive defense, and athleticism all impress; making him very close to becoming a complete player. Mincey specifically had a good performance in the semifinal round of ‘Big Shots Team Loaded' against Team Loaded 17u, when he scored a team-high 14 points. Mid-Atlantic Select couldn't complete the win but their standout wing definitely displayed the majority of his capabilities. He checks off many boxes and will undoubtedly keep building upon his game by staying in the gym as the summer days pass by. In the meantime, I was able to recently catch up with him for a few questions centering on his high school junior campaign, current place with Mid-Atlantic Select, and other future goals:
I saw that you all won the MPSSAA state championship this past season at Eleanor Roosevelt. How was that feeling'
'Oh yeah, it was a great feeling; winning states. Just an amazing finish to an unreal year. It was also a great moment between me and my brothers.'
Were there any challenges/periods of adversity during that same season, even while going 22-2 overall'
'Not really actually…it was a pretty smooth year. The most adversity we faced was back in the state semifinal game (versus Dulaney High School on 3/14). I remember we were down by six with about a minute to go and stuck together to finish on top.' (final score: 63-61)
For this AAU season, what goals do you have for your final summer of travel ball'
'My goals for the summer is to better develop my three-point shot, become stronger, and keep working on my ball-handling. Also, I hope to land a couple of high-major offers.
What's one of the best things about playing for Mid-Atlantic Select'
“I love playing with Mid-Atlantic because they push me to my fullest potential. They also expect nothing less than my best every time I step on the court. They don't care if you have 30 points or 0…they just want you to play hard and play the right way.'
Your team did well in the ‘Big Shots Team Loaded' tournament I attended last weekend. What'd you think of the competition in that tournament'
'I felt like each game we had to work for every point that we put on the board. It was a competitive tournament with a lot of great players.'
A lot of people have taken notice of how well you can defend, especially getting blocks. Are there any specific college/NBA guys you like to watch, defensively'
'Yep, my two favorite defensive guys would have to be Giannis Antetokounmpo and Paul George.'
What's something that you want people to see in your game next season at Roosevelt that they might not have seen this past year'
'I want people to see that I'm a good ball-handler for my size; I have pretty good vision. That, and to realize I can go off on good shooting streaks.
How's your college recruitment going at the moment'
'I'm being looked at by Mount St. Mary's, James Madison University, Air Force, Seton Hill University, Merrimack College, Saint Francis University, and Lafayette College.'
Any idea of what you might want to study in college'
'Yes, I plan to study Business.'
Hobbies outside of ball'
'Mainly, my hobbies outside basketball involve mentoring kids at a rec center and training kids at a basketball clinic.'
Where does Quinton Mincey see himself ten years from now'
'A college graduate with a Master's degree in Business. Hopefully, I'm starting my own business from the money I earned from playing professional basketball (at any level).'
Stay on the lookout for ‘Q' during these next couple of months. He has a game that's smooth like his nickname.
