Izan Almansa talks NBA dream, differences between European and US basketball / News - Basketnews.com

Izan Almansa, Spain's big NBA prospect, comments on his impressions from the NBA Draft Combine and shares his aspirations regarding the big night.

Credit: FIBA Credit FIBA

The NBA Draft Combine is the showcase that brings together the best young talents in world basketball in Chicago for a week of physical and medical tests and games ahead of the draft.

There is no better showcase than going to the Combine to increase your chances of being chosen in the draft. Dozens of general managers, representatives, scouts and sponsors come to the Wintrust Arena in Chicago to follow the new wave of talents that aspire to make the leap to the NBA.

"It is very good to do the physical tests, and then to be given the opportunity to be in different drills (jumping exercises, speed, changes of direction) and matches, I think it is a very good opportunity," Izan Almansa, 18 told Spanish news agency EFE after undergoing a long series of tests at the Combine.

From Murcia to the United States. Almansa, MVP of the U18 EuroBasket and the U19 World Cup with Spain, can become the first player frrom his region to reach the NBA. After going through the Real Madrid youth academy, he came to the US to train at the 'Overtime' academy in Atlanta and later compete in the G-League.

"Since I came to Overtime at 16 years old I will have gained 20 kilos," the 2.08 m. power forward said.

Almansa is the great Spanish hope for this draft along with Juan Nunez, who could not go to Chicago, despite being invited, and will undergo tests in Europe after finishing his commitments with Ratiopharm Ulm.

"Getting to the NBA would be very exciting, it would make me and my family very happy and I am looking forward to it," Almansa continued.

Despite his young age, the Spaniard has already had valuable international experiences and enjoys US basketball which he considers a show.

"In the United States, everything is much more media-driven, it's more of a 'show' , there are many more people compared to Spain. It's more of a spectacle, the fans don't go so much to cheer for the team but to watch and have a good time," he observed.

A total of 78 players received the call for the Combine. 195 appear on the draft pre- registration list. All of them are experiencing a decisive moment for their careers, with just over a month left before the big night of the draft, set for June 26 and 27 in New York.

Thank you for reading us! We have even more content for you.