NBA: Perth Wildcat Izan Almansa latest NBL Next Star to declare for draft
Spanish forward Izan Almansa is hoping to become the latest Perth Wildcats Next Star to achieve his NBA dream, officially declaring for the 2025 draft.
Almansa followed in the footsteps of Alex Sarr for the Wildcats this season after the Frenchman realised his NBA ambitions in 2024, drafted by the Washington Wizards with the second overall pick.
And the 19-year-old from Murcia will have his fingers crossed for a similar result ahead of the June 26 draft after averaging 6.9 points and 3.9 rebounds on 51.1 per cent shooting in 33 games for Perth.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.Almansa’s agent, Guillermo Bermejo, confirmed the news.
The young gun has been lauded at international level, particularly for his defense, featuring for Spain’s senior squad and impressed during a season in the G-League before signing with the Wildcats last June.
Almansa also tested the pre-draft process last year, working out at the combine before withdrawing in favour of a stint Down Under.
The 208cm giant had a small taste of some of the challenges he will face in the NBA this season, taking on 229cm former league centre Taco Fall against New Zealand.
Almansa told The West Australian in January playing in the NBL had been a huge boost to his confidence.
“I have more confidence, and I play the way I play every time I step on the court. It’s been good to get more confidence and know more about how to play with my teammates,” he said.
“When I started playing more when Keanu was sick and had longer rotations and played with different guys so I got to know everyone.”
Almansa was thrown around on defence by the Wildcats, given opportunities to guard players on the inside and on the perimeter, his light feet and extraordinary wingspan adding to his versatility.
However, in a league that continues to be dominated by the three-point shoot, Almansa still has room to improve.
“My shooting. I’ve been shooting the ball. I need to improve my shooting, but in general, I feel like I have taken a step forward in my game in all of the aspects. I’m very happy with my improvement,” he said.
