From BRIT Standout to Cal Poly: Nathan Yambayamba Commits to Division I Basketball

Nathan Yambayamba has committed to Cal Poly, taking another significant step in a basketball journey that has seen the 6-foot-6 Edmonton product develop into an NCAA Division I prospect.

The Maple Minute first highlighted Yambayamba during the 2025 Bedford Road Invitational Tournament (BRIT), where he helped St. Francis Xavier capture the championship and earned a place on our First Team All-Star selections. His performance throughout the tournament showcased his versatility, athleticism and ability to contribute in different roles.

One of his most memorable performances came in the semifinal against Walter Murray, where he connected on six three-pointers. However, it wasn't just his shooting that caught our attention. With St. Francis Xavier missing its starting point guard, Yambayamba took on additional ball-handling responsibilities, initiating offensive sets and creating opportunities for his teammates.

At the time, we noted how much his game seemed to improve with each opportunity to watch him. His combination of perimeter shooting, athleticism and growing confidence as a playmaker made him one of the tournament's more interesting prospects.

That development continued into the summer of 2025, when Yambayamba helped Alberta capture gold at the Canada Games. The Maple Minute recognized him in its All-Tournament coverage, highlighting his ability to handle the basketball, knock down perimeter shots and finish above the rim.

The move to Bella Vista Prep in Arizona for the 2025–26 season provided another opportunity to develop against strong American prep competition. Yambayamba continued to establish himself as a perimeter shooting threat, with a National Elite Prep report crediting him with 48 percent shooting from three-point range on approximately five attempts per game.

His skill set fits the modern wing position. At 6-foot-6, he brings good length, athleticism and the ability to stretch the floor. His catch-and-shoot ability is an important part of his offensive game, while his willingness to attack closeouts, finish in transition and contribute around the basket gives him ways to impact possessions beyond perimeter shooting.

Yambayamba also earned the opportunity to represent Canada at the 2026 FIBA U18 AmeriCup, where Canada captured gold. He averaged 8.0 points per game while shooting 44.4 percent from three-point range, connecting on eight of his 18 attempts during the tournament. His shooting provided valuable floor spacing against international competition.

More recently, we had another opportunity to watch him at the Blue Arrow showcase in September. One sequence that stood out was his aggressive drive from the corner, where he absorbed contact and drew a foul. It was another example of his willingness to use his size and athleticism to attack the basket rather than settling exclusively for perimeter opportunities.

His commitment to Cal Poly gives the Mustangs a wing with size, shooting ability and experience competing at several levels of basketball. The program competes in the Big West Conference, where Yambayamba will have the opportunity to continue developing his game against NCAA Division I competition.

From his championship performance at BRIT to representing Canada internationally and competing at Bella Vista, Yambayamba has continued to take meaningful steps forward in his basketball career.

For The Maple Minute, it has been rewarding to follow that progression over the past two years. His commitment to Cal Poly is another well-earned opportunity, and we look forward to seeing how his game continues to develop at the next level.