Izan Almansa, regarded as one of the greatest ever youth players in international basketball, has chosen the NBL Next Stars program as his pathway to the NBA.

Almansa follows the footsteps of No. 2 NBA Draft pick, Alex Sarr, in joining the Perth Wildcats. 

The 19-year-old participated in this year’s NBA Draft Combine but decided to withdraw from this year’s draft and build his stock for 2025. 

The 6’10 forward/centre, who hails from Murcia, Spain, possesses a 7’1 wingspan and is an impact player on both ends of the floor.  

Almansa was named MVP of the 2022 FIBA U17 World Cup, 2022 FIBA U18 European Championships and 2023 FIBA U19 World Cup. He was the first non-USA player to be named MVP of the U17 World Cup, and the first ever player to be named MVP of both the U17 World Cup and the U19 World Cup. 

His impressive performances on the world stage have led some, including writers on FIBA’s own website, to suggest that Almansa might be the greatest youth player in international basketball history. 

“I am very excited and thankful for the opportunity to play for the Perth Wildcats and be part of the Next Stars program,” Almansa said. 

“I am really looking forward to getting to Perth and getting to work. I’m looking forward to competing in the NBL and trying to win a championship.”

Izan (pronounced Ee-thahn) was a member of Real Madrid’s Youth Academy for two years, before developing his game in the USA at Overtime Elite, and then playing for the G League Ignite last season.

“Securing Izan’s signature is a massive coup for the Next Stars and further solidification of the confidence prospects have in the NBL and the program,” NBL General Manager of Next Stars Recruitment, Liam Santamaria, said.  

“Izan is a highly skilled big man who can handle the ball, has elite footwork and great touch around the basket. He is also a very solid defender and a high-level rebounder. 

“The strength of our development program is clear and has been highlighted after four Next Stars were selected at this year’s draft, making it nine Next Stars who have been drafted directly from the NBL to the NBA.

“The Wildcats have an incredible development program and helped Alex Sarr rise to the second pick. We have full confidence that, with the support of Danny Mills, John Rillie and the entire Perth organisation, Izan will benefit greatly from his time in the NBL.”

Almansa already has had a taste of the NBA, competing in the Rising Stars Game at the 2024 NBA All-Star Weekend in Indianapolis, while he was a member of the G League Ignite. 

His international basketball experience is also set to grow, as he is expected to represent Spain in next month’s 2024 FIBA U20 EuroBasket in Poland. 

"We are thrilled to welcome Izan and his family to the Perth Wildcats. Izan is a player we have long recruited, and to be able to attract a player of his calibre on the back of the success we had with Alex this past season is a true testament to our presence as a club on a global scale,” Wildcats GM of Basketball, Danny Mills, said. 

The Next Stars program is a proven pathway to the NBA for young prospects across the world. Nine Next Stars have been drafted directly from the NBL to the NBA – LaMelo Ball (pick 3, 2020), RJ Hampton (pick 24, 2020), Josh Giddey (pick 6, 2021), Ousmane Dieng (pick 11, 2022), Rayan Rupert (pick 43, 2023), Sarr (pick 2, 2024), AJ Johnson (pick 23, 2024), Bobi Klintman (pick 37, 2024) and Ariel Hukporti (pick 58, 2024). 

The influence of the Next Stars program on the basketball world is growing, with NBA legends Carmelo Anthony (Global Ambassador) and Kenny Smith (Head of Next Stars’ Player Initiatives - North America) recently joining the program in official capacities.

Almansa is the fourth confirmed Next Star for the 2024/25 season, joining Rocco Zikarsky (Brisbane Bullets), Alex Toohey (Sydney Kings) and Roman Siulepa (Tasmania JackJumpers).