NBA Draft Combine. It is the showcase that brings together in Chicago the best young talents in world basketball for a week of physical rehearsals, medical tests and games in view of the draft. Bronny James, son of LeBron, in the center of the spotlight. Izan Almansaamong the great jewels of Spain, tells EFE how the showcase that opens the doors to the NBA is experienced from within.
“It’s very good to do the physical tests, and then they give you the opportunity to be in different ‘drills‘(jumping exercises, speed, changes of direction) and matches, I think it’s a very good opportunity,” says Almansa, 18, who attended EFE at the Marriott Marquis in Chicago after undergoing a long series of tests at the Combine. .
From Murcia to the United States. Almansa, MVP of the U18 EuroBasket and the U19 World Cup with Spain, can become the first Murcian to reach the NBA. After passing through the quarry of Real Madrid arrived in the US to train at the ‘Overtime’ academy in Atlanta and later compete in the G-League development league.
Izan Almansa during the Draft Combine.
Almansa shines at the Combine
“Since I came to Overtime at 16 years old I will have gained 20 kilos“says Almansa, a versatile 208-centimeter power forward. He is the great Spanish hope for this draft with Juan Núñez, who could not go to Chicagodespite being invited, and will undergo testing in Europe after finishing his commitments with Ratiopharm Ulm.
Almansa has character and clear ideas. He is used to demanding more from himself. He did it when he left Murcia to join the Real Madrid youth academy and then when he left Spain for America.. And before the lights of the Combine, he brought out the best version of him.
“I am very happy, they have been my best numbers. I had done tests before So with Ignite and Overtime and very well. In the game I also felt good, very happy,” Almansa commented.
“Getting to the NBA would be very exciting, it would make me and my family very happy. and I’m really looking forward to it,” he continued.
At 18 years old, Almansa has already had valuable international experiences and enjoys American basketball that he considers “a show.”
“In The United States is much more media-driven, it is more of a ‘show’, there are many more people compared to Spain. It’s more of a show, the fans don’t go so much to cheer for the team but to watch and have a good time,” he told EFE.
Izan Almansa in the interview with EFE.
The year of Bronny James?
There is no better showcase than going to the Combine to increase your chances of being chosen in the draft. Dozens of CEOs, representativesscouts and sponsors come to the Wintrust Arena in Chicago to follow the new wave of talents that aspire to make the jump to the NBA.
Bronny James during the 2024 Draft Combine.
In the hallways of the stadium it is not difficult to come across legendary NBA managers. Among them, the ‘GM’ of the Lakers, Rob Pelinka, whose telephone number burns in a few days of uncertainty about the future of LeBron James and the possible arrival of his son Bronny James to Los Angeles.
Bronny was one of the players who stood out the most at the Combine, in particular with a great performance in the shooting tests. Although does not appear high in the draft projections, LeBron’s son is in the center of the spotlight.
“I never thought about playing with my father. My dream has always been to make my own name and obviously reach the NBA. I have never thought about playing with my father, although he has mentioned it a couple of times,” Bronny said with a laugh in a meeting last Tuesday with a large group of international media, including EFE.
NBA champions and first draft picks
Among the current NBA stars who went through the Combine are Kawhi Leonard, double champion, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brownleaders of the Boston Celtics, or Zion Williamson y Anthony Edwardsfirst absolute elections respectively in 2019 and 2020.
Jalen Brunsonwho is wearing record numbers for the New York Knicks in the playoffs, Bam Adebayoof the Miami Heat, Tyrese Haliburtonof the Pacers, or Michael Porter Jr., NBA champion with the Denver Nuggets, also went through the Combine.
This week in Chicago, the talents They underwent tests that included vertical jumping, speed, agility. Height with and without shoes, weight, body fat and wingspan were also measured.
A total of 78 players they got the call for the Combine. 195 are on the registration list earlier in the draft. All of them are experiencing a decisive moment for their careers, with just over a month left before the big night of the draft, set for June 26 and 27 in New York.
2024-05-17 16:04:49
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