Izan Almansa’s Debut Gives Gonzaga Another Frontcourt Option

Gonzaga freshman center Izan Almansa made an immediate impression in the Bulldogs’ season opener against Purdue on November 2. The 21-year-old Spaniard scored 11 points, grabbed four rebounds and made all three of his free throws in 29 minutes, hitting four of five shots inside the arc.

Almansa committed to Gonzaga in May but received NCAA clearance in late October, just before the team’s exhibition opener. He also distinguished himself during preseason contests with Arkansas and Lewis-Clark State. Coach Mark Few praised his feel for the game and said Gonzaga was encouraging him to be more aggressive offensively.

His playing time could affect the minutes of starting center Massamba Diop, who played considerably less against Purdue while dealing with foul trouble. Diop, a 7-foot-1 transfer from Arizona State, is valued for his rim protection, but he has also encountered foul trouble in both exhibitions and has struggled offensively early on.

Almansa offers Gonzaga reliable finishing, rebounding and passing, though he does not provide the same rim protection as Diop. Purdue’s 7-foot-4 Daniel Jacobsen scored 22 points on nine-of-11 shooting in 26 minutes, showing the challenge Gonzaga faces against size inside.

Gonzaga’s next game is its home opener against New Mexico State on November 7 at 2 p.m. Pacific time. The game is scheduled to air locally on KHQ and on ESPN Unlimited.