Izan Almansa Ethnicity

Izan Almansa Perez, a rising basketball sensation hailing from Spain, currently showcases his skills with NBA G League Ignite. Standing at an impressive height of 6 feet 9 inches, this power forward distinguishes himself with his exceptional rebounding and scoring abilities.

Almansa stands as one of the most highly anticipated prospects for the upcoming NBA draft, owing to his remarkable achievements early in his career. Notably, he earned the title of MVP in prestigious events such as the FIBA Under-19 World Cup in 2023, the FIBA Under-17 World Cup in 2022, and the FIBA U18 European Championship in 2022.

Before joining the NBA G League, Almansa honed his skills through valuable experiences both in the USA and Europe. In the US, he showcased his abilities by competing rigorously with Overtime Elite, known as Team OTE, while continuously refining his game.

During the 2023-24 season, Almansa delivered impressive statistics, averaging 11.7 points, 1.2 assists, and 7.4 rebounds per game across 32 matchups for NBA G League's Ignite team.

Izan Almansa’s Ethnicity

Izan Almansa is a Spaniard by ethnicity as he was born and raised in Spain.

Izan Almansa's father, Steve Horton (former CB Murcia star), is an American citizen, but he also holds a Spanish passport due to his time spent in Spain. Christina Almansa, Izan's mother, is Spanish, and they reside in Murcia, Spain. Izan Almansa was born and raised in Murcia, making him originally Spanish. He inherited his basketball talent from his father, and his upbringing in a basketball-centric environment has greatly influenced his skills.

At an early age, Almansa showcased his talent by leading the national under-17 team to a silver-medal finish at the 2022 FIBA U17 World Cup held in Spain. Almansa did not begin to play basketball until he was nine years old and was finally convinced to take on a new sport, playing alongside his best friend.

“My mom tried to get me to play a couple of times too, and I said no,” Almansa told Draft Digest in an interview. “But when my friend started playing basketball, I went with him.”

Almansa's early growth spurt, towering over 6 feet before hitting his teenage years, set the stage for his dominance from the outset. This physical advantage didn't confine him to a single position. With a diverse skill set, he seamlessly transitions between roles on the court. Almansa's admiration for Pau Gasol, a Spanish basketball icon, fuels his drive to excel, aiming to mirror Gasol's legendary status in the sport.

Currently, Almansa is one of the top 20 NBA draft prospects in the NBA 2024 Draft.