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With less than a month until the 2024 NBA Draft, every prospect is looking to get in the gym in front of NBA personnel to try and improve their stock. The NBA Draft Combine in the middle of May offered a chance for these players to go head-to-head, but individual meetings are where a draft prospect earns his stripes. Izan Almansa is one of the many international prospects in this year's draft class, and he is currently making a name for himself with the hopes of being a first-round pick in the NBA Draft.
There have been plenty of Spanish-born players to be drafted and have prolonged careers in the NBA. Although Santi Aldama and Usman Garuba are currently the only players from Spain in the league, Ricky Rubio, Serge Ibaka, Marc Gasol, and Pau Gasol are all Spaniards who have found success in the Association.
Almansa has only been in the United States for a few years now, but he has drawn the attention of NBA personnel due to his length and two-way abilities in the frontcourt. Between his size and understanding of the game, Almansa is set to enter the league as a very gifted 19-year-old prospect who is only going to get better in time with the right developmental staff by his side.
While Almansa is a very decorated international player, winning FIBA European and FIBA World Cup MVP in different age groups during his young professional career, his mindset of always staying the course is what makes him such a unique player for teams to consider in the 2024 NBA Draft.
“In basketball, there’s always something that comes after one accomplishment. My mindset has always been thinking ahead and about what’s next rather than dwelling on the past,” Almansa told ClutchPoints in an exclusive pre-draft interview. “I approach every day trying to get better and put my team in a position to succeed. The awards symbolize that I helped my team win, so that’s all that matters to me.”
A 6-foot-10 big man with a 7-foot-1 wingspan, Almansa is one of the most versatile frontcourt players available in the 2024 NBA Draft. Although he may not be projected to be a lottery pick, there is a lot to like about the upside Almansa can bring to virtually any team in the league, especially as a defender on or off the ball. His draft range currently spans anywhere from the middle of the first round to early in the second round because teams are not always keen on drafting big guys. However, the improvements Almansa has made as a shooter make him a viable and attractive power forward for NBA teams to consider.
He is currently projected to be picked 44th overall by the Houston Rockets in ClutchPoints' 2024 NBA Mock Draft 2.0.
Almansa played in 32 games this past season with the G League Ignite. There, he averaged 11.7 points and 7.4 rebounds in 27.6 minutes per game while shooting 55.6 percent from the floor. He did not get many opportunities to showcase his shooting skills due to the team mainly utilizing him as a center due to injuries on their roster. While the stats may not prove that he is a terrific defender, Almansa's length allows him to constantly disrupt passing lanes and be a threat to block shots on any possession. This is an area that he will immediately be able to provide value in once he is drafted.
“On defense, I think I am a very versatile player,” Almansa continued. “Not many big guys can switch onto guards like I can, so I want to continue to prove that I am an all-around impactful defender other than just blocking shots.”
From playing in Spain to joining Overtime Elite to recently playing with the G League Ignite, Almansa's vast experiences as a young professional basketball player set him apart from others in this year's draft.
Ahead of the 2024 NBA Draft, Almansa sat down and spoke with ClutchPoints about his basketball journey and why he believes he is more ready for the NBA than many of the other prospects looking to be drafted in June.
ClutchPoints: Take me inside your basketball journey from the very beginning because, when you were a kid, it seemed like soccer, or football as you call it in Spain, was your main focus.
Izan Almansa: Yeah, for sure. I started playing soccer when I was five years old. I always loved playing soccer, and I continued playing it probably until I was around nine. That’s when I really started getting involved with basketball for my hometown club in Murcia, Spain. I played there for four years before moving to Madrid. Then I played for Real Madrid for two years. From there, I joined Overtime Elite in the United States before ending up with the G League Ignite this past year. I always really enjoyed playing soccer, but basketball was my focus. I just couldn't focus on any other sport once I started with basketball.
CP: For you, what was the turning point where you made the decision to fully invest yourself in basketball and that you wanted to be a professional basketball player?
IA: I think that when I decided to go to Madrid, I came to the realization that I was good enough to really make basketball my life. Playing at home was fun, and I had a great time in Murcia, but it was just that — for fun. Joining Real Madrid allowed me to open up my eyes and expand my horizons in the game of basketball. I really learned then how to become a professional basketball player from that moment on.
CP: It seems like you made the right decision by sticking with basketball, as you were the FIBA Under-17 World Cup MVP in 2022, the FIBA U18 European Championship MVP in 2022, and the FIBA Under-19 World Cup MVP in 2023. What comes to mind when you hear these awards and pass by them in your home?
No international prospect had a better summer than Izan Almansa, the first player ever to win MVP awards at both the FIBA U17 World Cup and U18 European Championship. Almansa posted 16 points, 11 rebounds, 2 steals and 1 block in 25 minutes, playing up a year at the U18s. pic.twitter.com/RbBVAsO0pn
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) August 15, 2022
IA: In basketball, there’s always something that comes after one accomplishment. My mindset has always been thinking ahead and about what’s next rather than dwelling on the past. I am obviously glad to have those awards, and they say a lot about the kind of player I am, but my focus has always been on the journey ahead. I approach every day trying to get better and put my team in a position to succeed. The awards symbolize that I helped my team win, so that’s all that matters to me.
CP: Not many draft prospects can say they have three MVP trophies at any level. What do you think this says about the kind of player you are?
IA: [Izan smiles] They definitely say I am a good player! To me, I take pride in the fact that they prove my leadership abilities. You don’t win MVP awards, or any award for that matter, without being one of the voices of your team. I’m a very unselfish player. I do what’s best for the team. While these awards are individual accomplishments, they symbolize a lot more than that.
CP: You are one of the youngest players in the 2024 NBA Draft. Why do you believe all the experiences you’ve had at such a young age are valuable as you transition to the NBA?
IA: Obviously, my many experiences with different clubs definitely stand out. I’ve been in a lot of high pressure games in different environments. Not many players my age can say they’ve had those types of experiences. In terms of off-the-court, since I left home when I was 14, I definitely believe I am more mature than many young players because I’ve had to live on my own and go through different aspects of life without someone holding my hand. Whereas entering the NBA will be many players' first professional experience, this will simply be a new league for me where I won't have to go through those drastic life changes so many others will face.
CP: You’ve played in Spain, you’ve played for Overtime Elite, and now you have G League playing experience. How has playing for three different teams in three different leagues helped you evolve as a modern-day big man?
IA: Adapting to the situation in front of you is a valuable lesson I have learned through all of these experiences. Europe, Overtime Elite, and the Ignite all played differently. They expected different things of me, and they all played me in different positions. The most important thing is that you always have to remember who you are and how you play. I’ve been able to find success at all different levels, in different countries, with this mindset. I’ve been fortunate to have had a lot of different, experienced coaches help train and guide me in the right direction through the years. As a result, I’ve learned something new in each league I have been a part of. The game is always changing, so it’s always good to see the game from different perspectives.
CP: What is it about the EuroLeague and playing in Europe that makes international players like yourself so prepared and ready for the NBA?
IA: If you play in Europe, you will be ready for the NBA. Just look at Luka [Doncic] for example. He was playing at 16 years old in the EuroLeague. At 16 in the United States, they’re either in high school or playing for the EYBL before going to college. Sure, college is good competition, but you’re playing against guys that are almost the same age as you. In EuroLeague, you’re playing against real men who have kids and have been professional athletes before. It’s simply a different game. There is a difference between playing against other prospects versus playing against guys who are attempting to make a living for their families and put food on the table at home. Guys in the EuroLeague are stronger, faster, and smarter than those in college, usually because they’ve been professional athletes for years. I think that’s the biggest advantage of playing in Europe.
CP: Why did you decide to join the G League Ignite en route to declaring for the NBA Draft?
IA: My goal has always been to get to the NBA. I felt like the Ignite was going to be the best path given the direct ties to the league and all of the NBA personnel that are constantly watching us. I had a great experience in the G League, and they really helped my development. I was able to see the game differently than the way they teach it in Europe. That one-on-one guidance has really prepared me ahead of the NBA Draft.
CP: Where do you feel like you grew the most as a player with the Ignite?
Izan Almansa’s post moves are ELITE! 💯
the way the 2024 NBA Draft prospect uses spin moves, hooks, pump fakes, and his footwork is a thing of beauty. pic.twitter.com/gRGNgFiKA7
— NBA G League Ignite (@gleagueignite) May 22, 2024
IA: Overall, the G League really helped me understand what my strengths were as a player and take advantage of them on the court. I am not the strongest guy, but I’ve learned how to use my body in order to put myself in positions to succeed. Little things like using my quickness and agility — finding ways to utilize these traits while not drastically changing my overall game was huge. Obviously, due to the experience of just playing, I was able to improve my overall numbers as well. I really feel like the Ignite prepared me for the physicality and pace of the NBA game.
CP: What was the experience of the NBA Draft Combine like in terms of being able to showcase what you can do in front of teams and executives?
IA: It was a great experience. I enjoyed it a lot. The games can be hard to showcase what exactly you can do individually because they are quick and you’re trying to do the best you can to help the team win. However, I think I did a really good job displaying my strengths on defense. I can switch to guards, block shots, rebound at a high level … I just wanted to compete. Regardless of whether we were up 20 or down 20, I wanted to show that I was always going to play at the highest level I could. I am a competitor, and I think I did a good job at showing that.
CP: What was the biggest lesson you learned from the combine?
IA: That there are so many players out there trying to prove that they are just as deserving or just as talented as those standing next to them. There is a lot of potential out there, so it can be hard sometimes to stick out when everyone is a different type of player. At the end of the day, it’s all about working hard. Someone will always notice the value you bring when you do so. That’s why I am always competing until the whistle is blown.
CP: Every team asks some crazy questions at the combine. What was the most intriguing question you were presented with in Chicago?
IA: I was actually surprised because everyone was so chill. I’ve heard about some of the crazy questions before and was preparing myself to hear some of them, but there was nothing really out of the ordinary. Sometimes they hit you with a question to try and get you to trip on your words, but there was actually nothing crazy, at least for me.
CP: Going into the combine, what were certain aspects of your game you really wanted to highlight in front of NBA personnel?
Izan Almansa, forward from G League Ignite, put together a nice showing in the 5-on-5 scrimmages at the #NBACombine! pic.twitter.com/2AsOzEXwiC
— NBA Draft (@NBADraft) May 16, 2024
IA: My size speaks for itself, so I wanted to showcase my ability to use my strength to my advantage. I also wanted to show that I am a capable shooter outside of the paint, because many people tend to think that if you are a power forward or a center, you aren’t always the greatest shooter. Make or miss, I am always confident in my shot. On defense, I think I am a very versatile player. Not many big guys can switch onto guards like I can, so I want to continue to prove that I am an all-around impactful defender other than just blocking shots.
CP: One of the skills teams are looking for in big guys right now is the ability to shoot from the perimeter. Tell me about the work you’ve put in as a three-point shooter, because you’ve really grown in this area since even before joining the Ignite and well into the pre-draft process.
IA: I have been working on my form for a long time. Shooting was never my strength early on in my basketball career, so I knew this was an area that I had to spend a lot of time improving in. Now, I am at the point where I not only feel comfortable with my form, but I am confident that my shots will fall. I am constantly in the gym working on getting up more shots because that’s all you can do to become a better shooter. The more you feel comfortable, the more you should expect your shots to go in. That is the case with me, and I am very happy with the progress I’ve made.
CP: You played a lot of center this past year, but it seemed like you thrived at the power forward position earlier in your career. What is different for you at each position, and why do you feel like you can be more than just a center utilized in pick-and-roll situations in the NBA?
IA: I definitely think I am more of a skilled big man than just one that is used in pick-and-roll situations. Of course I know how to do that, but I feel like I can also dribble and attack on offense. I can be someone who initiates an offense and takes pressure off of the guards to have to do everything. Because of injuries on the Ignite roster, I had to play a lot of center, but I can definitely play the power forward spot as well. I will be comfortable in either position in the NBA.
CP: What are some of the little things you look to take advantage of regarding your opponents and how do you put yourself in a position to impact winning?
IA: Whatever is best for the team, I am going to do it. I am a very unselfish player and always try to be a main passer on my team. If I need to be a primary scorer, I will be a primary scorer. If I need to initiate the offense, I am going to do it. I just want to win, and I want my teammates to find success as well. I wouldn’t say there is one thing I always look to take advantage of because every game, every situation is different. I just always put myself in a spot to help my team more than anything else.
CP: Who would you say are some of your biggest idols and role models in the NBA that you’ve tried to learn from or model your game after?
IA: Obviously, Pau Gasol. I think he's the greatest Spanish player ever, and I would love to follow in his footsteps. I also watch a lot of Domantas Sabonis, given his versatility as a big man. Al Horford and Alperen Sengun are a few others. I think being able to take on multiple responsibilities as a big man is huge in today’s game. I want to be that kind of frontcourt option for my team.
CP: Who is one player you hope to someday play against, and why?
IA: I am just looking forward to playing against NBA competition, but if I had to say one player, it would be Giannis Antetokounmpo. He was my favorite player when I was younger. I still enjoy watching him play. I would be honored to go up against Giannis.
CP: As you prepare for the NBA Draft, what type of team are you hoping to be drafted to? Would you prefer to join a team with experienced veterans that you can learn even more from in the frontcourt, or do you want to join a younger team that may present a more immediate opportunity for play?
IA: I want to join a team that really wants me, regardless of how good they were last year. Whoever is willing to invest in me, believe in me, and help me grow as a player — that is the team I want to be a part of. I know who I am, and I want them to want me for both my strengths and weaknesses. In terms of younger or older teams, it doesn’t really matter because both situations can be advantageous. As long as they are willing to help me out and become a better player, I will be happy. Even younger teams with guys that are 23 or 24 years old, that’s still older for me! I believe I will fit in, no matter what team drafts me.
CP: What kind of player do you want to be in the NBA?
IA: I know I can be a complete player who can do virtually anything my team needs of me. If they need me to be a shooter, I will grow into a great shooter. If they need me to score and rebound in the paint, I will do that. Anything they need me to do, that’s the type of player I am going to be. I take pride in my versatility and being able to guard multiple positions. I want to be the type of player who truly influences the game for my team.
CP: Although you are spending a lot of time on the court right now, every player in the NBA has hobbies off the court. What are some of yours, and what do you like to do when you’re not in the gym?
IA: I am a huge sports guy. Basketball, soccer, tennis, whatever. I love the competition and competitive nature of athletes in all professional sports. When I have time, I definitely like to play other sports, but my focus is obviously basketball.
CP: Whether you are drafted in the first or second round, what will it mean to you and your family to hear your name called on draft night and finally say you’re in the NBA?
IA: It would be a dream come true because I have been working towards this my entire life. This is my dream. But this is also just the beginning of another dream and my basketball journey. In basketball, there’s always a next day that you have to pay attention to. You can’t focus on what happened in the past because what happens tomorrow ultimately impacts your life moving forward. Obviously, I will be thrilled to be drafted, but then it’s all about what comes next.
