Perth Wildcats Next Star Izan Almansa reflects on NBA scouts and playing in front of huge crowds at RAC Arena

Perth Wildcats Next Star Izan Almansa has declared he feels comfortable about constantly playing with NBA scouts in the building and can’t wait to perform in front of the biggest crowd of his career when the NBL season starts next week. Almansa has enjoyed a strong pre-season for the Wildcats and was superb in the club’s last game of the NBL Blitz with 15 points and eight rebounds. The Spaniard is highly rated by NBA scouts who have followed his fortunes across the world. They were on the Gold Coast for the NBL Blitz and many will travel to Perth for HoopsFest. Alamansa said being watched by NBA scouts felt normal, but playing front in front of thousands of fans will be a new experience. “I”m excited for that. 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. I’m super excited to go back to Perth because I’ve loved it so far,” Almansa said. “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 said having eight pre-season games in Perth, Japan and Queensland had given his team the ideal preparation for round one. He said everyone had benefited from spending so much time together. “It’s been a great pre-season for us. We won all the games, we played good and are having fun,” he said. “I like the style of play and my teammates have made it easier. They want me to have a high motor every time I step on the court and have high energy because that will help the team.” Meanwhile, Perth Lynx vice-captain Amy Atwell has had her seven-day WNBA contract extended by Phoenix Mercury and will play in their build-up to the finals. Originally drafted by Los Angeles in 2022, Atwell returned to the WNBA with the Mercury after a brilliant season for the Lynx was followed by Olympic selection. She said getting more time with Phoenix was an amazing opportunity. “It feels great. I’ve loved the last week. I feel like I’m finally getting my legs underneath me after all of the travelling. I’m super excited for another seven days,” she said.