New Wildcat Almansa shines for Spain

Almansa, who last month signed with the Wildcats as a Next Star for NBL25, is averaging 14 points, 6.7 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.3 blocks across the first three games for the undefeated Spanish side.

The 19-year-old's best performance of the tournament so far came in Sunday's 81-45 victory over Belgium.

Almansa put up 14 points, nine rebounds and five assists for a game-high efficiency of 26.

He also scored 14 points in just 15 minutes as Spain easily accounted for North Macedonia 93-38 the same day.

The 208cm centre/forward shot seven of eight from the field including a pair of his trademark hook shots and a couple of eye-catching one-handed jams.

He also contributed four rebounds, two assists and two blocks, finishing with a team-high efficiency of 39.

In Monday's hard-fought 81-74 win over Turkey, Almansa once again scored 14 points to go with seven boards.

🚨 Highlights Izan Almansa 🇪🇸 @PerthWildcats

15 MINUTES
14 POINTS
4 REBONDS
2 PASSES
2 CONTRES

7/8 FG
✅ 93-38 #NBL25 pic.twitter.com/CDO7BjjyBw

— NBL France (@NBL_France) July 13, 2024

He's already got a remarkable basketball resume, winning MVP of both the Under-19 and Under-17 FIBA World Cups in 2023 and 2022 respectively, as well as the best player in last year’s Under-18 FIBA European Championships.