Izan Almansa is already making it look easy in a Gonzaga jersey, even though his eligibility only cleared six days ago.
The 6-foot-10, 220-pound forward from Spain delivered again Wednesday night, scoring 12 of his 14 points in the first half as Gonzaga rolled past NAIA Lewis-Clark State College 91-59 in an exhibition game at the McCarthey Athletic Center. It came on the heels of a strong debut stretch for the Zags, one day after he posted 14 points in a 76-72 loss at 15th-ranked Arkansas in Fayetteville.
“It was right before the flight, coach (Stephen) Gentry told me,” Almansa said. “I wasn’t expecting to play.
Everyone on the team got so hyped, me too. It was a really good moment.”
Almansa’s path to this point has been unusual. He played for the NBA G League Ignite in 2023-24 and spent last season with Real Madrid in Spain’s Liga ACB. Now he looks positioned to be the first big off the bench behind Braden Huff and Arizona State transfer Massamba Diop.
Mark Few likes what he’s seeing.
“He’s just got a very good feel for the game, so when you have that, everybody plays better with you and the game becomes a little easier for everybody,” Few said. “He knows when to pass, he understands spacing, he knows how to find his own shot.
“He’s just a really skilled basketball player. Those guys are always great to have on the floor from a coach’s perspective and also to play with.”
Against Arkansas, Almansa was efficient, going 6 of 9 from the field and 1 of 2 from 3-point range. Against Lewis-Clark State, he was even sharper, hitting 4 of 5 shots and both of his 3-pointers.
Huff, who scored 11 points in 16 minutes Wednesday, sees the fit too.
“He’s obviously played against some really good players, some pros, in his time,” Huff said. “He’s super smart, athletic, quick.
He’s a lot of fun to play with. I think he gives defenses a different look and he’s also really good on defense.
He’ll be another big piece for us.”
Gonzaga’s bench had a shaky start before settling in. When five reserves entered at the 14-minute mark of the first half, the Zags’ 11-point lead shrank to seven before the starters returned.
The second bench group gave the game a very different shape. That unit sparked an 18-2 run that pushed Gonzaga’s halftime cushion to 54-27.
Almansa said the transition into the program has been made easier by the way teammates and coaches have embraced him.
“Everyone was welcoming me great, knowing I wasn’t eligible at first,” said Almansa, whose first name is pronounced E-thun. “So it was a little bit hard, but everybody helped me, gave me a lot of confidence from my coaches, teammates, everybody here.”
Parker Jefferson also had a solid night, flashing in both halves and finishing with 12 points, six rebounds, two assists and two blocks.
“I’m really proud of Parker,” Huff said. “He gave us good minutes (against Arkansas) and tonight he also did good things out there.
I told him, I’ve been there coming off a redshirt year where you’re finally playing. I just told him to be ready regardless of what his role is night in and night out.”
Javon Bennett bounced back from an 1-of-8 shooting night against Arkansas to score 11 points Wednesday, knocking down three 3-pointers and adding two assists. Freshman guard Juwan Ekanga contributed seven points, four rebounds and three assists, and Gonzaga’s bench finished with 47 points overall.
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The Bulldogs are also planning to use the night as a controlled dress rehearsal, with starters likely to see limited minutes while freshmen and walk-ons get extended opportunities. For Gonzaga, the bigger question is less about the exhibition itself and more about how much it can reveal before that Purdue matchup, where every healthy body and every rotation decision will matter. [Read more 🡒]