Wildcats young guns among top-100 NBA draft prospects

Spanish Next Star Izan Almansa (51) and home-grown guard Ben Henshall (57) made the cut for highly-respected ESPN draft writer Jonathan Givony's list of prospects for next year's NBA draft.

Almansa, 19, is averaging six points and two rebounds in his debut NBL campaign, coming off the bench as a back-up big.

Cockburn Cougars junior Henshall has enjoyed increased court time in NBL25, playing 20-plus minutes in each of his three appearances this season including a starting opportunity against Melbourne United last Friday night.

Debuting the ESPN Top 100 NBA draft prospects, with scouting reports and more https://t.co/ZKqdFG4fyr

— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) October 9, 2024

The 20-year-old guard, in his second season at the club, started the season with 10 points and seven assists in the Wildcats' win over South-East Melbourne Phoenix during HoopsFest and followed it up with a dozen points in the loss to United.

It comes after the success of Wildcats' inaugural Next Star Alex Sarr last season, with the talented Frenchman becoming the highest ever draft pick out of the NBL after Washington swooped on him with pick two.

Fellow ex-Wildcats player Luke Travers has also realised his NBA dreams with Cleveland.

There were six NBL players in Givony's top-100 list, with Brisbane giant Rocco Zikarsy headlining at 24.