The Fate of Spanish Basketball Players in the NBA Draft: From the Top 25 to Mixed Results

Spanish basketball is looking forward to the landing of the new promises that impress so much in the training categories (gold in the Under 19 World Cup) and in his first steps in professionalism. It is normal that attention focuses on his future in the NBA, the league that demands and promotes his best talents. But The progress of the season does not bring the same good news for the jewels of national basketball: only Izan Almansa (G-League) would be among the top 25 selected on draft night.

The Sub 19 wins the World Cup.

This is the conclusion obtained from ESPN’s forecasts, which, according to specialist Jonathan Givony, tend to be the most accurate. In September 2023, after a summer with eight medals (both in the men’s and women’s categories) in Spanish basketball, there were four young boys in the Draft. All in the top 25: Izan Almansa (8th), Aday Mara (13th), Baba Miller (22nd) and Juan Núñez (25th). In February, things change.

The best is still Almansa (25º). Also enters the first round Juan Núñez (28th) y Baba Miller would be selected, although in last position of the entire draft night (50º). Candidate Mara He would fall out of the forecasts and would not be selected by the NBA.

What happens to the Spanish?

I get better as the months go by

Be Almansa

There are reasons, the main one is that they are developing. But the change with the Spanish as the months go by is notable. The fundamental thing is that they do not end up finding all the minutes and sensations. Izan Almansa something more, in the Ignite of the G-League that took him to the All-Star. In about 26.7 minutes he averages 12.4 points with 7.7 rebounds. He does not dominate as much as in FIBA, although his role changes. From star, to less protagonist. “I get better as the months and weeks go by. I learn with such physical people,” he says.

Izan Almansa and the Spanish ‘boom’ in the Draft

Juan Núñez does not fall too much. He is the most stable within an ultra-competitive Ulm that stood, for example, in the recent German Cup final. In the German League he scores 10.4 points and 4.9 assists, while the national team counts on his presence for the future. Not in the Zaragoza call, but in all the future pools.

Baba Miller, from a privileged position, to close the Draft. The physical profile is incredible, but he doesn’t quite take off individually (7.4 points and 4.8 rebounds) or at a Florida State with sporting doubts (8-7 in the ranking, 7th in the ACC). “My strength is defense. I use my arms and physique to defend everyone. The main objective is to reach the NBA,” he told ‘Movistar +’.

The main goal is to reach the NBA

Daddy Miller

Aday Mara imposes her 2.22 m. in the NCAA: high block with UCLA

And the biggest fall is that of Aday Mara. It was a lottery position and with a decisive style of play, ostracized at the prestigious UCLA. He does not exceed 3.3 points and 2.3 assists, very far from its usual form. And he doesn’t play much either (10.4 minutes). He pays for the hazing. “”I tell all the kids it’s hard. So you can quit and go home, make an excuse, or get better. You have to look in the mirror,” said UCLA coach Mick Cronin.

2024-02-21 12:46:44
#top