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A whirlwind of an offseason for Mark Few and the Gonzaga Bulldogs is coming to a close, with the first exhibition game of the season on Saturday, Oct. 24, against Arkansas.
And despite the roller coaster of eligibility drama, Gonzaga will head into Saturday’s showdown with 14 of their 15 players eligible to suit up after Friday afternoon’s announcement that Izan Almansa, a 21-year-old Spanish big man, has been cleared to play this season by the NCAA.
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Almansa committed to Gonzaga way back in May and has been practicing with the team, but Friday’s announcement confirmed the former G League Ignite star will suit up for the Zags this season.
Izan Almansa addresses a key Gonzaga frontcourt concern
Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Izan Almansa (13). | Photo by Myk Crawford
Almansa’s arrival gives Gonzaga crucial depth and physicality in the frontcourt, with his rebounding prowess in particular a critical addition for coach Few’s club.
The 6’10 big man is arguably the team’s best rebounder, with presumed starters Massamba Diop (5.8) and Braden Huff (5.6) both under six boards per game last year despite averaging 29.6 and 25.4 minutes per game, respectively.
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There aren’t a lot of weak spots on this Zag roster, but rebounding was a concern that is now far more secure with Almansa’s presence.
The big man is also a strong play finisher and has the size, experience, and basketball IQ to impact the Zags on defense as well.
How Almansa fits alongside Braden Huff and Massamba Diop
Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Izan Almansa (13). | Photo by Myk Crawford
Gonzaga has stuck with a three big man rotation the last few seasons, and that will likely be the case again in 2026-27. Huff and Diop will start at the four and five, respectively, with Almansa soaking up most of the backup minutes at both spots.
Almansa is capable of playing either the five or the four, so he can sub in for either Huff or Diop. It pushes sophomore Parker Jefferson and freshman Sam Funches down the depth chart, although…
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Publish date : 2026-10-24 18:16:00
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