Throughout the 2024-25 season, Babcock Hoops will provide comprehensive scouting reports on top 2025 NBA Draft prospects, analyzing their strengths, questions, and potential at the next level. Our reports offer an in-depth look at each player's development and draft outlook.
Izan Almansa
Position: Forward/Center
Team: Perth Wildcats (Australia)
Class: Professional
Height/Weight: 6'10", 230 lbs
Birthdate: June 7, 2005
Previous Teams: G League Ignite, Overtime Elite
Player Overview
Izan Almansa is an exciting prospect with a strong foundation in rebounding, interior scoring, and defensive versatility. Known for his high motor and ability to exploit mismatches in the paint, Almansa’s touch around the basket and pick-and-roll effectiveness make him a reliable offensive option inside. He also gained valuable experience while playing with the G League Ignite, where he faced professional-level competition, further developing his game.
While Almansa’s physicality and shooting range are still developing, his relentless energy and team-first mentality make him a highly impactful player on both ends of the court. Continued refinement of his free-throw efficiency, shooting consistency, and lower body strength will be key to maximizing his potential at the NBA level.
"I think Almansa's lack of a perimeter game limits his draft buzz, but he still brings value. His mobility, activity level, and finishing ability at the rim keep me intrigued." — Matt Babcock, NBA Draft Analyst
Strengths
Mobility and Activity Level: Almansa’s good mobility and relentless energy enable him to impact both ends of the floor.
Paint Scoring: Strong touch around the basket, including floaters, and an ability to seal defenders in mismatches.
Pick-and-Roll Proficiency: A reliable roll man who excels at finishing around the rim and exploiting mismatches.
Versatility: Defensively, he can guard multiple positions and provide rim protection while rebounding at a high level.
Concerns
Physicality: Needs to improve his lower body strength to hold position against stronger post players.
Left-Hand Finishing: Relies heavily on his dominant hand, which limits his scoring versatility in the paint.
Shooting Range: The lack of a consistent jumper raises questions about his fit in modern offensive systems prioritizing spacing.
Free Throw Efficiency: Inconsistency from the line limits his ability to capitalize on fouls drawn inside.
Questions
Does he have the potential to develop into a reliable three-level scorer, or will he remain primarily an interior threat?
Will his lack of shooting range limit his offensive impact in a modern system that prioritizes spacing and perimeter play?
Can he improve his lower body strength to hold defensive positions and maintain balance against stronger bigs?
Bottom Line
Izan Almansa is a promising prospect with a solid skill set centered around rebounding, interior scoring, and defensive versatility. His year with the NBA G League Ignite provided him with invaluable professional experience, which has prepared him for the next stage of his career. Almansa must improve his shooting range, free-throw consistency, and physical strength to thrive at the NBA level. With the proper development, Almansa has all the tools to become a significant contributor in the league.