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Almansa excited for RAC Arena debut at HoopsFest

13 Sep
2 mins read

Written By

Jordan McArdle

Izan Almansa is excited about playing in front of the biggest crowd of his blossoming basketball career when Perth Wildcats' NBL25 campaign kicks off at next weekend's inaugural HoopsFest tournament in WA.

The Spanish sensation produced a massive NBL Blitz campaign on the Gold Coast this week, including a dominant performance in Thursday's come-from-behind victory over Cairns.

His 15-point, eight-rebound display, as Perth came back from nine points down midway through the third quarter to prevail 89-76, was all the more impressive given there were plenty of NBA scouts watching on.

“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 told The West Australian.

The Wildcats, coming off an undefeated pre-season where they won eight of eight including three at the NBL Blitz, three against B-League outfits in Japan and two against NBL1 West Select in Japan, turn their attention to next Friday night's season opener against South-East Melbourne Phoenix at RAC Arena.

Almansa, 19, wasn't feeling any extra nerves about playing in front of potentially double the amount of people he's played in front of previously.

“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.

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