Gonzaga Lands Commitment From Real Madrid’s Izan Almansa

MADRID, SPAIN - FEBRUARY 01: Izan Almansa #13 of Real Madridin action during Liga ACB match between Real Madrid and Casademont Zaragoza at Movistar Arena on February 01, 2026 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Borja B. Hojas/Getty Images) | Getty Images

With the 2026-27 roster nearing completion, the focus from the Gonzaga Bulldogs has switched over to the international market.

6-10 forward/center Izan Almansa from Real Madrid has committed to the Zags, per La Xarxa’s Oscar Herreros. Another piece from Spain, with the help of assistant coach and Director of Basketball Operations Jorge Sanz, is added to a loaded frontcourt in Spokane, Washington, consisting of incoming sophomore center Massamba Diop and incoming redshirt senior forward Braden Huff.

Almansa’s basketball journey is a unique one, to say the least. The Murcia, Spain native has been all over the map, even spending time in the NBA Summer League with the Philadelphia 76ers after going through the draft process and ending up undrafted in 2025.

Real Madrid in Madrid, Spain – 2020-21

Overtime Elite – 2021-23

G-League Ignite of the NBA G League – 2023-24

Perth Wildcats in Australia’s NBL – 2024-25

Back to Real Madrid – 2025-26

In the Liga ACB and EuroLeague this past season, Almansa averaged just 5.0 points and 2.3 rebounds in nine minutes played per game for Real Madrid.

Almansa was teammates with incoming sophomore guard Mario Saint-Supery on Spain’s national team during the 2024 FIBA EuroBasket qualifiers. Sanz was his coach during FIBA play on the U17 and U18 levels. He even played with former Zags like David Stockton, Jeremy Pargo, and Admon Gilder with the G League Ignite in

This move is far from being complete, as Almansa will have to wait to receive college eligibility. If all comes back good from the NCAA, this will be a luxury to have behind Diop due to his overall experience, athleticism, and quick lateral movement for a big man.