2026-27 Gonzaga Player Profiles: Izan Almansa
It only feels fitting after yesterday's big news to stay with the international flavor of Gonzaga's roster and Izan Almansa. He was officially cleared by the NCAA... finally, giving a HUGE boost to a Gonzaga frontcourt that was already considered to be one of the nation's best. The former Real Madrid big brings a different skillset from Braden Huff & Massamba Diop, so let's dive into who Izan Almansa is.
Izan played this past season in Spain, and unlike Nathan De Sousa, who we talked about only having one year, Almansa was granted 3 years of eligibility. This is huge for the Zags, knowing they have a dude who will have years to learn and play in a Few system that highlights bigs so well. Now, in year one, his role will be off the bench, but that does not mean there isn't high potential here. Last year, playing in what many consider to be Europe's top league, he put up 5.4 ppg, 2.4 rpg, and shot 70% from the field. He is an elite rebounder using his overall length and athleticism to always be in the mix.
As you watch the video of his highlights, you can see his touch is good around the rim, but he is also willing to take the jumper if you look at his G League stats when he originally attempted to come over from Europe. He has that spark/energy type of play that could be game-changing. Right now, I can envision him in a lineup like De Sousa, Bennett, Harwell, Huff, and him. His ability to crash the boards could give second-chance looks to those shooters on the court with him, like Bennett or De Sousa.
Lastly, I think his addition takes a lot of pressure off the frontcourt overall. Last year, we were in a spot where it felt like Huff and now-NBA starter Graham Ike had to play 36 or 37 minutes a night. Now with Izan, we can stagger the three, while we also have Parker Jefferson and Sam Funches, who I think are solid options in the right spot.
For Izan, I think the stats will be modest, as Huff and Diop still feel like the primary dudes, but I do think he has random pops of 10, 12, or even 15 points in him. On the other side of the coin, there could be a night where Huff and Diop combine for 45–50 and he doesn't get many looks. Today will be interesting to see how he does vs. another big-time squad in Arkansas. Either way, as of now, the eligibility pendulum has swung very much in favor of the Zags recently. With only Chauncey Wiggins left to be cleared, having De Sousa and Almansa available changes the expectations of the season without a doubt, excitement is building for the Zags.
Nathan De Sousa: https://www.barstoolbreakdown.com/post/2026-27-gonzaga-player-profiles-nathan-de-sousa
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