Gonzaga’s 2026‑27 campaign is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated in recent memory, with the Bulldogs poised to build on a strong finish to the previous season and a roster that blends veteran leadership with fresh talent.
The frontcourt has been praised for its scoring versatility, yet it has drawn criticism for a lack of dominant rebounding, a shortfall that has persisted since the eras of Domantas Sabonis and Kyle Wiltjer.
A Promising Addition
Izan Almansa, a 6‑foot‑10 forward who committed to Gonzaga in May, arrives with a résumé that blends professional experience in the G League and the National Basketball League with a reputation for tenacious rebounding.
His track record shows double‑digit rebounding averages — 10.7 per 40 minutes in the G League and 10 per 40 in the NBL — highlighting his ability to dominate the glass and generate second‑chance opportunities.
Almansa’s primary mandate will be to shore up the frontcourt’s rebounding, reduce the foul trouble that has limited Huff and Diop’s minutes, and add a physical presence that complements the shooting range of his new teammates.
Head coach Mark Few, who has long prized frontcourt versatility, sees Almansa as the piece that can transform Gonzaga’s interior play from a perimeter‑oriented unit into a more balanced, physically imposing force.
Offensively, guard Xaivian Lee has emerged as the most important addition for the Bulldogs, and Almansa’s ability to crash the boards could amplify Lee’s scoring bursts by supplying easy put‑backs.
If the chemistry between Huff, Diop and Almansa clicks, the frontcourt could finally match the rebounding dominance of past Gonzaga legends, positioning the Bulldogs as genuine contenders for the national title.