Overview
Izan Almansa is an intriguing 19-year-old forward prospect out of Spain who has taken a non-traditional path toward reaching the NBA. He played 23 games for the YNG Dreamerz of the Overtime Elite in 2022-23 as a 17-year-old forward, averaging 10.2 points, 9.0 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game. He then he jumped to the G League Ignite in 2023-24, putting up 10.5 points, 7.1 rebounds and 1.5 assists per contest. The end of the G League Ignite program forced Almansa to look for another alternative to pursue his NBA dream, and instead of returning to Spain to play in the Liga ACB, he signed with the Perth Wildcats of the Australian NBL. Almansa held his own against pro players in the NBL and averaged 7.6 points, 4.3 rebounds and 0.8 assists across 17.2 minutes per game in 29 contests.
Analysis
A 6-foot-10 forward who’s comfortable playing as the screener in pick-and-roll situations, Almansa has the potential to be a deadly offensive weapon if paired with the right point guard. He stands out as an excellent rebounder for his size and plays bigger than his frame. His biggest strengths are on the offensive side of the ball, though. He’s an accomplished passer for his age, and his reads are already above-average, which shouldn’t be surprising given his ample international experience. He lacks the muscle to be a threat down low, but he can finish near the rim and also excels in the mid-range game – his 3-point shot needing some work.
Projection
Almansa is a modern and versatile big, and he also possesses the mentality to thrive at the highest level due to his capacity to adjust his game. He needs to expand his shooting range to be a reliable stretch threat in the NBA, but Almansa’s versatility is reminiscent of a young Al Horford in the best-case scenario, or perhaps Dario Saric. He figures to be a late first-round or early second-round pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.
— Profile by RotoWire.com