Latest news with #IzanAlmansa
West Australian
25-06-2025
- Sport
- West Australian
2025 NBA Draft: Perth Wildcats forward Izan Almansa and top Australian hopes look to hear names get called out
Outgoing Perth Wildcats forward Izan Almansa is among a handful of NBL graduates looking to continue Australia's strong recent record as an NBA breeding ground when Thursday's (WA time) draft gets underway. Since 2020, nine players have been snapped up in the NBA Draft having plied their craft in Australia in the preceding months, including former Wildcats duo Luke Travers (2022) and Alex Sarr (2024). Almansa is considered a chance to join that group, with the 208cm Spaniard projected by analysts as either a late pick in Friday's second round or to go undrafted. The 20-year-old showed plenty of signs of his considerable talent for Perth, averaging 7.2 points and four rebounds per game in a largely reserve role. But it is not known whether the one-month ban he served for testing positive to cannabis – revealed last week – will impact his draft hopes. While Wildcats teammate Ben Henshall and fellow WA product Alex Condon have both withdrawn their names from the draft pool over the past few weeks, four other Aussies have high hopes of having their names called out. Sydney Kings forward Alex Toohey is in contention to be Australia's top pick somewhere in the second round, with 200cm Brisbane giant Rocco Zikarsky and Illawarra's championship-winning centre Lachlan Olbrich also in the mix. Tyrese Proctor, a Sydney-raised point guard who has been playing at US college powerhouse Duke, is a fellow second-round hopeful. Speaking before his likely elevation to the world's top competition, Toohey said he had learnt plenty from going professional in Australia rather than plying his trade in college, and wasn't worried about the notion of trying to emerge from outside the spotlight of the US. 'Everyone coming from Australia… (Chicago Bulls star) Josh Giddey epitomises that. Everyone's kind of not sure if he's quick enough, if he's athletic enough – that scouting report with all this negative stuff,' Toohey said. 'And then he goes out and has the youngest triple-double of all time. 'As long as you have IQ, you'll make it in any league in the world.' Duke's Cooper Flagg will be taken by Dallas with the top pick, with the American forward considered one of the most promising recent prospects of recent times. First round 8am (WA time) Thursday, second round 8am (WA time) Friday LIKELY TOP-FIVE SELECTIONS The consensus top pick for some time, the Duke forward is considered one of the biggest 'sure thing' future stars of this century. The savvy guard is the son of Ron Harper, Michael Jordan's former backcourt teammate at the Chicago Bulls in the late '90s. The 76ers jumped up in the draft and will likely snap up the athletic shooting guard out of Baylor. The sharpshooter should join his Duke college teammate in Flagg inside the top handful of picks. The Jazz need a point guard to lead their new era and could turn to one of the youngest and smallest (189cm) players in the draft.
Perth Now
25-06-2025
- Sport
- Perth Now
‘Cats forward, young Aussies face NBA draft moment of truth
Outgoing Perth Wildcats forward Izan Almansa is among a handful of NBL graduates looking to continue Australia's strong recent record as an NBA breeding ground when Thursday's (WA time) draft gets underway. Since 2020, nine players have been snapped up in the NBA Draft having plied their craft in Australia in the preceding months, including former Wildcats duo Luke Travers (2022) and Alex Sarr (2024). Almansa is considered a chance to join that group, with the 208cm Spaniard projected by analysts as either a late pick in Friday's second round or to go undrafted. The 20-year-old showed plenty of signs of his considerable talent for Perth, averaging 7.2 points and four rebounds per game in a largely reserve role. But it is not known whether the one-month ban he served for testing positive to cannabis – revealed last week – will impact his draft hopes. Izan Almansa is eyeing his draft opportunity. Credit: Matt Roberts / Getty Images While Wildcats teammate Ben Henshall and fellow WA product Alex Condon have both withdrawn their names from the draft pool over the past few weeks, four other Aussies have high hopes of having their names called out. Sydney Kings forward Alex Toohey is in contention to be Australia's top pick somewhere in the second round, with 200cm Brisbane giant Rocco Zikarsky and Illawarra's championship-winning centre Lachlan Olbrich also in the mix. Tyrese Proctor, a Sydney-raised point guard who has been playing at US college powerhouse Duke, is a fellow second-round hopeful. Speaking before his likely elevation to the world's top competition, Toohey said he had learnt plenty from going professional in Australia rather than plying his trade in college, and wasn't worried about the notion of trying to emerge from outside the spotlight of the US. 'Everyone coming from Australia… (Chicago Bulls star) Josh Giddey epitomises that. Everyone's kind of not sure if he's quick enough, if he's athletic enough – that scouting report with all this negative stuff,' Toohey said. 'And then he goes out and has the youngest triple-double of all time. 'As long as you have IQ, you'll make it in any league in the world.' Alex Toohey (left) battling Keanu Pinder last NBL season. Credit: Jason McCawley / Getty Images Duke's Cooper Flagg will be taken by Dallas with the top pick, with the American forward considered one of the most promising recent prospects of recent times. First round 8am (WA time) Thursday, second round 8am (WA time) Friday LIKELY TOP-FIVE SELECTIONS Pick 1 (Dallas): Cooper Flagg The consensus top pick for some time, the Duke forward is considered one of the biggest 'sure thing' future stars of this century. Cooper Flagg fronting a press conference in New York ahead of this week's draft. Credit: Sarah Stier / Getty Images Pick 2 (San Antonio): Dylan Harper The savvy guard is the son of Ron Harper, Michael Jordan's former backcourt teammate at the Chicago Bulls in the late '90s. Pick 3 (Philadelphia): VJ Edgecombe The 76ers jumped up in the draft and will likely snap up the athletic shooting guard out of Baylor. Pick 4 (Charlotte): Kon Knueppel The sharpshooter should join his Duke college teammate in Flagg inside the top handful of picks. Pick 5 (Utah): Jeremiah Fears The Jazz need a point guard to lead their new era and could turn to one of the youngest and smallest (189cm) players in the draft.
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
2025 NBA Draft scouting report: Izan Almansa, F, Perth
For a two-round mock draft and a big board with full scouting reports, check out my NBA Draft Guide. Izan Almansa, F, Perth Height: 6-10 • Weight: 230 • Age: 19 Summary: Almansa is an accomplished international big who projects as a versatile offensive hub and prolific rebounder, though sooner than later his production will need to start matching his flashes of upside. Advertisement Comparisons: Dario Saric, Skal Labissiere Strengths Facilitating: Strong elbow and post playmaker with the ability to handle double teams and locate shooters and cutters. His NBA team could use him in dribble handoffs since he can also dribble to the basket, or back into post-ups. Midrange scoring: He loves using spin moves straight into hook shots, and it works no matter the angle or the defensive contest. He's a strong dribbler and passer, and he also has a push floater that could punish defenses that leave him open. If his shot develops, his open floor ball-handling would open up his game even more. Advertisement Screening: Fundamental screener and an eager roller with soft hands. He is patient, and uses head and ball fakes to let defenders fly by when needed. A potential short-roll weapon if paired with the right point guard. Hustle: Great rebounder on both ends with a nose for the ball. He's like a magnet. He runs the floor hard too and makes second and third efforts on the regular. Defense: High-effort defender with the ability to play in different schemes. He's nimble enough to switch or blitz. Concerns Shooting: Subpar free-throw shooter and stiff from 3. Even though he has midrange touch it hasn't translated anywhere else. He also seems to struggle with confidence as a shooter; when he misses early, he'll pass up open shots. At this stage, his shooting development is purely hypothetical. Advertisement Athleticism: As a drop coverage big man on defense, he's more of a positional defender than an imposing shot-blocker. And on the perimeter, he's solid but not a stopper. He still gets roasted by some quicker players. Strength: Gets overpowered by stronger players on post-ups, which raises concerns about his ability to play center. For a two-round mock draft and a big board with full scouting reports, check out my NBA Draft Guide.
USA Today
08-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Spanish forward Izan Almansa headlines Trail Blazers' second predraft workout
Spanish forward Izan Almansa headlines Trail Blazers' second predraft workout Spanish forward Izan Almansa is reportedly among the prospects who will work out with the Portland Trail Blazers on Thursday, according to team reporter Casey Holdahl. Almansa averaged 6.9 points and 3.9 rebounds on 51.1% shooting from the field in 33 games with the Perth Wildcats in the National Basketball League. He scored in double figures eight times, including a season-high 19 points, seven rebounds and two blocks on Nov. 9. The 6-foot-10 standout signed with the Wildcats as part of the Next Stars program, a plan introduced by the NBL to give top prospects a path to play professionally. He played with the G League Ignite before moving to Australia, averaging 10.5 points, 7.2 rebounds and 1.5 assists. Joining Almansa were Indiana forward Mackenzie Mgbako, Notre Dame forward Tae Davis, VCU forward Jack Clark, Kentucky guard Otega Oweh and North Dakota guard Treysen Eaglestaff. It is the Trail Blazers' second known workout after hosting their first session on Tuesday. The Trail Blazers enter the predraft process with only one pick, a first-round selection currently slotted 10th before the lottery on Monday. They are drafting in the lottery for the fourth consecutive year after taking Shaedon Sharpe, Scoot Henderson and Donovan Clingan over that span. The group the Trail Blazers hosted features mostly underclassmen who are not currently projected to be drafted. The team likely wanted to prioritize bringing in those players who are testing the process or could be targeted as undrafted free agents after the draft. The 2025 NBA draft will occur June 25-26 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.
USA Today
17-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Spanish forward Izan Almansa declares for 2025 NBA draft after playing in NBL
Spanish forward Izan Almansa declares for 2025 NBA draft after playing in NBL Spanish forward Izan Almansa is reportedly declaring for the 2025 NBA draft after playing this season in the National Basketball League, according to Jonathan Givony of ESPN. Almansa averaged 6.9 points and 3.9 rebounds on 51.1% shooting from the field in 33 games with the Perth Wildcats. He scored in double figures eight times, including a season-high 19 points, seven rebounds and two blocks on Nov. 9. The 6-foot-10 standout signed with the Wildcats in June as part of the Next Stars program, a plan introduced by the NBL to give top prospects a path to play professionally. He played last season with the G League Ignite, averaging 10.5 points, 7.2 rebounds and 1.5 assists. Almansa tested the predraft process last year, participating in the combine and working out for at least two teams before withdrawing from consideration. He was among several prospects who played in the NBL, joining the likes of Malique Lewis, Alex Toohey and Rocco Zikarsky. The 19-year-old is highly touted for his defensive ability, given his athleticism and 7-foot, 1-inch wingspan. He is still working to develop his 3-point shot, though he showcased that he can be great in pick-and-roll situations as a screener and roller. Almansa has also represented Spain several times at the junior level, earning Most Valuable Player in three events. He debuted with the senior team at the 2025 FIBA EuroBasket 2025 qualifiers in November, averaging 4.5 points, two rebounds and one steal in four appearances. The 2025 NBA draft will occur June 25-26 in New York City.
