Latest news with #NextStars
USA Today
08-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Spanish forward Izan Almansa headlines Trail Blazers' second predraft workout
Spanish forward Izan Almansa headlines Trail Blazers' second predraft workout Spanish forward Izan Almansa is reportedly among the prospects who will work out with the Portland Trail Blazers on Thursday, according to team reporter Casey Holdahl. Almansa averaged 6.9 points and 3.9 rebounds on 51.1% shooting from the field in 33 games with the Perth Wildcats in the National Basketball League. He scored in double figures eight times, including a season-high 19 points, seven rebounds and two blocks on Nov. 9. The 6-foot-10 standout signed with the Wildcats as part of the Next Stars program, a plan introduced by the NBL to give top prospects a path to play professionally. He played with the G League Ignite before moving to Australia, averaging 10.5 points, 7.2 rebounds and 1.5 assists. Joining Almansa were Indiana forward Mackenzie Mgbako, Notre Dame forward Tae Davis, VCU forward Jack Clark, Kentucky guard Otega Oweh and North Dakota guard Treysen Eaglestaff. It is the Trail Blazers' second known workout after hosting their first session on Tuesday. The Trail Blazers enter the predraft process with only one pick, a first-round selection currently slotted 10th before the lottery on Monday. They are drafting in the lottery for the fourth consecutive year after taking Shaedon Sharpe, Scoot Henderson and Donovan Clingan over that span. The group the Trail Blazers hosted features mostly underclassmen who are not currently projected to be drafted. The team likely wanted to prioritize bringing in those players who are testing the process or could be targeted as undrafted free agents after the draft. The 2025 NBA draft will occur June 25-26 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.
USA Today
04-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
2025 G League Elite Camp: Malique Lewis headlines list of participants
2025 G League Elite Camp: Malique Lewis headlines list of participants Trinidadian forward Malique Lewis is among the players invited to the 2025 NBA G League Elite Camp on May 9-10 in Chicago, Illinois, according to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype. Lewis averaged 6.8 points, 4.1 rebounds and one assist on 42.6% shooting from the field with the South East Melbourne Phoenix in the National Basketball League. He scored in double figures 11 times, including a season-high 15 points, six rebounds and three assists on Nov. 15. The 6-foot-8 standout signed with the Phoenix in July as part of the Next Stars program, a plan introduced by the NBL to give prospects a path to play professionally. He was among several prospects who played in the NBL, joining the likes of Izan Almansa, Alex Toohey and Rocco Zikarsky. The prospects invited to the G League Elite Camp were voted on by team executives. The list of players typically indicates those with the highest odds of being selected or signed as undrafted free agents with teams after the NBA draft on June 25-26. The event will feature 5-on-5 games, strength and agility testing, shooting drills, measurements and other related on-court exercises. Prospects will be able to improve their draft stock in a competitive environment against their peers. The top players from the G League Elite Camp will be invited to participate in the draft combine on May 11-18. The event has helped several players advance to the combine and eventually make it to the NBA, including Jose Alvarado, Enrique Freeman and Terance Mann.
USA Today
29-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Australian center Rocco Zikarsky declares for 2025 NBA draft after playing in NBL
Australian center Rocco Zikarsky declares for 2025 NBA draft after playing in NBL Australian center Rocco Zikarsky has declared for the 2025 NBA draft after playing the past two seasons with the Brisbane Bullets in the National Basketball League. Zikarsky, born in Sunshine Coast, Queensland, averaged 4.7 points and 3.5 rebounds on 50% shooting from the field this past season. He was limited to 20 games due to a knee injury after playing 29 games in the season prior because of an ankle injury. The 7-foot-3 standout signed with the Bullets as part of the Next Stars program, a plan introduced by the NBL to give top prospects a path to play professionally. He was among several prospects who played in the NBL, joining the likes of Izan Almansa, Malique Lewis and Alex Toohey. Zikarsky entered the season projected to be a first-round pick. However, because of his recent injuries and inconsistent production in the NBL, Zikarsky is now considered a second-round pick at this stage of the predraft process. The 18-year-old has shown that he can offer rim protection at the next level with his mobility and a reported 7-foot, 6-inch wingpsan. He moves with good fluidity on offense and can dominate in the paint, with his touch and ability to clean up the glass. Zikarsky can improve his draft positioning in team workouts and the combine on May 11-18 in Chicago, Illinois. The 2025 NBA draft will occur June 25-26 at the Barclays Center in New York City.
USA Today
22-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
International prospect Malique Lewis declares for 2025 NBA draft
International prospect Malique Lewis declares for 2025 NBA draft Trinidadian forward Malique Lewis is declaring for the 2025 NBA draft after playing this season in the National Basketball League, according to Jonathan Givony of ESPN. Lewis averaged 6.8 points, 4.1 rebounds and one assist on 42.6% shooting from the field in 34 games with the South East Melbourne Phoenix. He scored in double figures 11 times, including a season-high 15 points, six rebounds and three assists on Nov. 15. The 6-foot-8 standout signed with the Phoenix in July as part of the Next Stars program, a plan introduced by the NBL to give top prospects a path to play professionally. He was among several prospects who played in the NBL, joining the likes of Izan Almansa, Alex Toohey and Rocco Zikarsky. Lewis tested the predraft process last year after playing with the Mexico City Capitanes in the G League. He participated in the G League Elite Camp, averaging seven points, four rebounds and 1.5 blocks in two scrimmage games before withdrawing from consideration. The 20-year-old is considered a potential second-round pick this year, given his rim protection and ability to score down low. He also knocked down at least two 3-pointers in eight games, showcasing his potential as a floor spacer at the next level. Lewis will be able to improve his draft positioning in team workouts and the combine on May 11-18 in Chicago, Illinois. The 2025 NBA draft will occur June 25-26 in New York City.
USA Today
17-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Spanish forward Izan Almansa declares for 2025 NBA draft after playing in NBL
Spanish forward Izan Almansa declares for 2025 NBA draft after playing in NBL Spanish forward Izan Almansa is reportedly declaring for the 2025 NBA draft after playing this season in the National Basketball League, according to Jonathan Givony of ESPN. Almansa averaged 6.9 points and 3.9 rebounds on 51.1% shooting from the field in 33 games with the Perth Wildcats. He scored in double figures eight times, including a season-high 19 points, seven rebounds and two blocks on Nov. 9. The 6-foot-10 standout signed with the Wildcats in June as part of the Next Stars program, a plan introduced by the NBL to give top prospects a path to play professionally. He played last season with the G League Ignite, averaging 10.5 points, 7.2 rebounds and 1.5 assists. Almansa tested the predraft process last year, participating in the combine and working out for at least two teams before withdrawing from consideration. He was among several prospects who played in the NBL, joining the likes of Malique Lewis, Alex Toohey and Rocco Zikarsky. The 19-year-old is highly touted for his defensive ability, given his athleticism and 7-foot, 1-inch wingspan. He is still working to develop his 3-point shot, though he showcased that he can be great in pick-and-roll situations as a screener and roller. Almansa has also represented Spain several times at the junior level, earning Most Valuable Player in three events. He debuted with the senior team at the 2025 FIBA EuroBasket 2025 qualifiers in November, averaging 4.5 points, two rebounds and one steal in four appearances. The 2025 NBA draft will occur June 25-26 in New York City.
