Next Star ready for big crowds, NBA eyes

Perth Wildcats Next Star Izan Almansa has declared he won’t be daunted by the big stage, as he prepares to play in front of the largest crowd of his career in Friday night’s season opener against the South East Melbourne Phoenix.

A massive crowd is expected at RAC Arena for the meeting between the Wildcats and Phoenix at HoopsFest, with NBA scouts also to be watching Almansa’s performance. 

Coming off an impressive NBL Blitz, the 19-year-old is excited to put on a show and start the season in a positive fashion. 

“There’s only been one time where I’ve played in front of 5000. I’ve never had a real game in front of so many people. I’m really excited for that,” Almansa told The West Australian.

“I have been through having NBA people at games all of this last year so I am used to it. The first time that I played, there were nerves but now I just focus on the game. You just have to go out there and play the game.” 

Almansa is looking to follow in the footsteps of Alex Sarr, whose incredible season with the Wildcats helped him become the number two pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. 

In Perth’s final Blitz game, Almansa recorded 15 points and eight rebounds against the Cairns Taipans.

Tip-off between the Wildcats and Phoenix will be 8:30pm AEST on Friday night with the game live on ESPN via Kayo.