Global basketball prospects recently competed in the FIBA U19 World Cup, where Spain center Izan Almansa, a rising star, clinched the tournament MVP award. Standing out amongst fierce competition, Almansa showcased his talent, averaging 16.9 points and 7.1 rebounds while shooting an impressive 61 percent from the field and 89.5 percent from the free throw line. With previous accolades such as the U17 World Cup MVP and U18 European Championship MVP in 2022, Almansa has established himself as a force to be reckoned with.
Almansa played an integral role in Spain’s victory, guiding them to their first youth World Cup trophy since 1993. The team remained unbeaten throughout the competition, largely thanks to Almansa’s efficiency and high basketball IQ. Leading all centers in points per game, field goal percentage, free throw percentage, and efficiency, the 18-year-old sensation consistently dominated the court. Almansa became the focal point of Spain’s offensive and defensive strategies, setting the tone with his impactful performances. His ability to score the opening points of the game and force early turnovers was an invaluable asset to his team.
Spain’s dominance in the tournament was unparalleled, highlighted by their commanding victories over Lebanon (102-20) and Argentina (85-47). Almansa played a pivotal role in creating opportunities for other standout players such as Baba Miller, Jordi Rodriguez, and Lucas Langarita. Spain ranked second in three-pointers made, second in steals per game, fourth in rebounds per game, and fourth in assists per game. Almansa’s contributions helped open up the floor, allowing Spain’s guards to excel in shooting threes and taking on defenders individually.
Delving deeper into Almansa’s skill set, he can be compared to Miami Heat’s Bam Adebayo. Standing at 6’9, Almansa effortlessly glides across the court, excelling in both the center and forward positions. His ball-handling skills and proficiency on the wing enable him to reach his optimal offensive positions. Almansa’s repertoire includes a hook shot, exceptional footwork around the block, and even the ability to sink floaters and one-legged fades within the 15-foot range. While some may argue he is slightly undersized for a center, Almansa’s athleticism and versatility at his current height are precisely the traits NBA scouts seek.
Prior to the NBA draft, Almansa spent two years with the Overtime Elite League in Atlanta, Georgia. Recently, he announced his decision to join the NBA’s G-League Ignite roster for the upcoming season. Almansa’s experience with OTE saw him post impressive averages of 9.9 points and 9.0 rebounds for the YNG Dreamerz. Commenting on his decision, Almansa stated, “I made that decision because I want to play in the NBA, so I think that’s the best step to take now to get to the league, to work on my ball handling, on my shooting, and everything against good competition.” According to ESPN, he currently holds a projected first-round pick and is ranked as the 18th available prospect for the 2024 NBA draft.
Playing alongside top prospects like Matas Buzelis, Ron Holland, and Babacar Sane in the G-League Ignite, Almansa is poised to further develop his skills. Despite his youth, Almansa has already gained valuable experience playing against both professional talent in the United States and on the international stage. Acknowledging the intensity and physicality of the U19 tournament, he believes it has prepared him well for the NBA and the G-League, stating, “It’s going to prepare me because here they play very hard, very physical. In the NBA, the G-League they play very hard too, so they’re going to prepare me for that.”
Should Almansa refine his shooting abilities and extend his game to the three-point line, he could potentially enter the conversation as a top lottery pick in 2024. While becoming a consistent threat from long range may not necessarily entail hitting multiple threes per game, the ability to catch and shoot would undoubtedly amplify the hype surrounding his potential. With the upcoming season at Ignite, Almansa finds himself in an excellent position to flourish and manifest his immense talent. The U19 World Cup tournament showcased a mere glimpse of the exceptional heights this international prospect can reach.
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