Izan Almansa, Spain PF: Rising Star Transforming European Basketball Scene
Izan Almansa is rapidly becoming one of basketball’s most intriguing international prospects. The 6’9″ Spanish power forward, born June 7, 2005, has already established himself on multiple continents. Most recently, he played with the Perth Wildcats in Australia’s NBL. ESPN currently projects Almansa as the No. 18 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. They describe him as a player who combines traditional post skills with the modern versatility that NBA scouts crave in today’s position-less game.
His journey has taken him through G League Ignite, where he averaged 10.5 points and 7.1 rebounds in just over 17 minutes per game. These numbers might not leap off the page, but they reflect a young player holding his own against grown men. Almansa’s international experience representing Spain has proven equally valuable. It shows his ability to adapt to different playing styles and coaching philosophies.
What separates Almansa from other draft prospects isn’t just his current production, but his projection. At just 19 years old, he possesses a basketball IQ beyond his years and a frame that should continue to fill out. While some international prospects struggle with the physicality of the American game, Almansa has already tested himself against near-NBA competition in the G League. This suggests a potentially smoother transition to the highest level.
Contents
Early Life and Initial Development
Izan Almansa’s journey to basketball prominence began unexpectedly in his native Spain. Born with athletic talent, his path to becoming one of Spain’s most promising basketball prospects took some interesting turns.
Beginnings in Spanish Basketball
Almansa initially had no plans to pursue basketball. Surprisingly, he dreamed of playing football professionally and spent his early childhood years on the soccer pitch. It wasn’t until the relatively late age of nine that Almansa first picked up a basketball.
His basketball journey began in his hometown of Murcia. The young Spaniard showed immediate promise, developing rapidly in the local youth system. By 2019, his talent had caught the attention of Spanish powerhouse Real Madrid, who quickly moved to bring the budding star into their prestigious youth academy.
Growing Up in the Game
Almansa’s development accelerated dramatically within Real Madrid’s structured program. Standing at 6’10” with impressive mobility, he quickly established himself as more than just another tall prospect. His basketball IQ and efficiency became hallmarks of his game.
By age 17, Almansa was already turning heads in international competition. The young forward proved himself an efficient and smart offensive player, demonstrating an advanced feel for the game that made him valuable to any team. His performance in the FIBA U18 European Championship earned him MVP honors, cementing his status as Spain’s next great basketball talent.
After his time at Real Madrid, Almansa took the unconventional route of joining the G League Ignite to prepare for the NBA draft, where scouts noted his intriguing potential despite playing in a system without quality point guard play.
Career Highlights
Izan Almansa has established himself as one of Spain’s most promising basketball talents through consistent excellence in international competition and professional development. His journey showcases impressive accolades at youth levels while steadily progressing toward professional success.
Notable Achievements
Almansa truly made his mark on the global stage at the FIBA U17 World Cup, where his standout performance earned him significant recognition. He continued his dominance at the U19 World Cup, establishing himself as one of the tournament’s elite players.
His trophy cabinet includes MVP honors at multiple international tournaments, particularly shining at the U18 EuroBasket where he led Spain to impressive results. The young power forward’s international resume is bolstered by All-Tournament team selections.
Most recently, Almansa showcased his talents at the FIBA U20 EuroBasket 2024, where his performance reinforced his status as a top-tier prospect despite Spain not achieving their expected tournament dominance.
| Tournament | Achievement |
|---|---|
| U17 World Cup | All-Tournament Team |
| U19 World Cup | MVP |
| U18 EuroBasket | Gold Medal, MVP |
Rising Through the Ranks
Almansa’s basketball journey began in Spain, though interestingly, he initially dreamed of playing professional football before focusing on basketball. His early development included time with Real Madrid’s youth setup, where he honed his fundamentals against top European competition.
The 6’9″ power forward made a significant career move by joining the G League Ignite, showcasing his willingness to take an alternative path to the NBA. This decision has provided him with valuable experience against near-professional competition.
His performance in the NBA G League Next Up Game demonstrated his readiness to compete at higher levels. NBA draft analysts currently project Almansa as a late first-round to early second-round selection, citing his basketball IQ, motor, and rebounding prowess as translatable NBA skills.
Almansa’s scoring highlights with G League Ignite reveal a player developing a more versatile offensive game to complement his already established defensive and rebounding abilities.
Professional Career
Izan Almansa has quickly established himself as one of Spain’s most promising basketball talents, following in the footsteps of Spanish stars who successfully transitioned to the NBA. His development path has taken him through prestigious European programs before moving to North America to enhance his draft prospects.
Domestic Competition
Almansa began his professional journey in the renowned Real Madrid youth system, where many Spanish talents develop their skills. The 6’10” power forward showed impressive footwork and basketball IQ during his time with the Spanish powerhouse.
After Real Madrid, he made a strategic move to Ratiopharm Ulm in Germany, seeking more playing opportunities to showcase his abilities. This decision proved beneficial for his development, allowing him to face stronger competition in a different basketball environment.
Most recently, Almansa took his talents to the Perth Wildcats in Australia’s National Basketball League, further expanding his international experience before making the jump to North America.
International Prospects
Almansa made the pivotal decision to join the G League Ignite, a development team specifically designed to prepare elite prospects for the NBA. This program has produced several first-round draft picks in recent years.
With the Ignite, Almansa has showcased his versatility as a modern power forward who can defend multiple positions. His time in the G League has helped him adapt to the American style of play, which differs significantly from European basketball.
Currently, Almansa is projected as the No. 18 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft according to ESPN’s latest mock draft. NBA scouts appreciate his defensive instincts, passing ability, and developing three-point shot.
| Season | Team | League | Games | PPG | RPG | FG% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023-24 | G League Ignite | NBA G League | 25 | 12.3 | 8.7 | 54.2% |
| 2022-23 | Ratiopharm Ulm | German BBL | 18 | 8.4 | 6.2 | 56.1% |
Comparisons and Transitions
Almansa’s development path mirrors other successful Spanish players like Usman Garuba and Juan Nunez, who also emerged from top European youth programs. His game combines traditional Spanish basketball fundamentals with the athleticism required in today’s NBA.
At just 19 years old (born June 7, 2005), Almansa represents the new generation of Spanish basketball talent looking to make an impact in the NBA. Scouts particularly praise his basketball IQ and defensive awareness, traits common among successful Spanish NBA players.
Unlike some European prospects who struggle with the physicality of the American game, Almansa’s 226-pound frame gives him the strength to compete against bigger opponents. His transition to the NBA should be smoother than many European players who arrive without G League experience.
Playing Style and Performance
Izan Almansa brings a unique blend of skills to the court that make him a standout prospect. His basketball IQ and fundamentals shine through in both his offensive contributions and defensive intensity.
Court Impact and Skills
Almansa demonstrates exceptional versatility as a modern power forward. The Spanish standout plays with remarkable basketball intelligence, making quick decisions that benefit his team. His passing ability is particularly noteworthy – he’s a smart passer who plays unselfishly while maintaining great touch around the basket.
Defensively, Almansa uses his size effectively, showing good positioning and timing. He’s developed into a reliable rim protector who can also switch onto smaller players when needed.
His evolution has been interesting to watch. Almansa has had to adapt from being a team-first player to developing more me-first instincts, which initially affected his statistical output but has rounded out his game.
Statistical Overview
Almansa’s numbers with G League Ignite reflect his all-around impact. Currently projected as the No. 18 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft by ESPN, his draft stock continues to hold steady despite a competitive field.
His rebounding numbers stand out, particularly on the offensive glass where his instincts and motor create second chances. His shooting percentage near the rim is strong, though his perimeter game remains a work in progress.
| Category | Performance |
|---|---|
| Draft Projection | #18 (ESPN) |
| Strengths | Rebounding, Basketball IQ, Passing |
| Areas for Development | Perimeter Shooting, Creating Own Shot |
| Notable Achievement | MVP of FIBA U18 European Championship 2022 |
NBA scouts appreciate his “glue guy” potential – the ability to impact winning without dominating the ball. His ceiling in the NBA will largely depend on how his offensive game continues to evolve.
Off-Court Endeavors
Beyond his basketball skills, Izan Almansa has made meaningful connections with fans and communities while playing in Australia’s NBL and during his time with G League Ignite.
Charity and Community Work
Almansa has shown himself to be a man of the people during his time with the Perth Wildcats. The young Spanish forward regularly engages with fans after games, signing autographs and even participating in impromptu games of rock-paper-scissors with young supporters.
His ability to connect across language barriers became evident when referee Nico Fernandes spoke Spanish with him during a tense moment in a game, showing Almansa’s respect for officials and willingness to de-escalate situations.
While specific charity initiatives haven’t been widely documented, Almansa’s approachable demeanor has made him popular with Perth’s fanbase. The 19-year-old has embraced his role as an international ambassador for the game, particularly connecting with Spanish-speaking communities in Australia.
His commitment to fan engagement reflects his maturity and understanding of basketball’s community impact, traits that NBA scouts will likely view favorably as he pursues his NBA dreams.
Future Prospects and Expectations
Izan Almansa is approaching the 2025 NBA Draft. His unique skill set and international experience have positioned him as an intriguing prospect. His development path through multiple leagues has showcased both his current abilities and room for growth at the professional level.
Potential and Draft Predictions
Almansa currently projects as a first-round selection in the 2025 NBA Draft. Most analysts place him in the 15-25 range. His time with Overtime Elite, G League Ignite, and now the Perth Wildcats in the NBL has given scouts plenty of film to evaluate his progress.
The Spanish big man’s defensive versatility remains his most NBA-ready attribute. At 6’10”, he can guard multiple positions effectively and provides excellent rim protection. His mobility for his size is exceptional, allowing him to switch on screens and recover quickly.
NBA teams are particularly intrigued by his rebounding prowess. Almansa averaged 9.2 rebounds per game across his G League Ignite stint, demonstrating both technique and tenacity on the glass.
| Skill Area | Current Rating | NBA Projection |
|---|---|---|
| Rebounding | A- | A |
| Interior Defense | B+ | A- |
| Scoring | B- | B+ |
| Playmaking | C | C+ |
Vision for Career Advancement
Almansa’s development with the Perth Wildcats as a Next Star provides the perfect environment to address his most significant growth areas. His post scoring has shown flashes, but he needs to develop more counter moves and improve his efficiency.
The biggest question for Almansa’s NBA future remains his outside shooting. While his mechanics aren’t broken, his consistency from range will determine whether he can evolve into a stretch big or remain primarily an interior presence.
NBA scouts have noted his high basketball IQ and adaptability in different environments, suggesting he could thrive in multiple NBA systems. His Spanish basketball background has instilled strong fundamentals that should translate well.
The path of other international bigs suggests Almansa could benefit from a developmental role initially before growing into a starting position by his second or third season.