Gonzaga University's basketball program is making its mark on the international stage as sophomore guard Mario Saint-Supery and incoming commit Izan Almansa prepare to represent their home country of Spain in the final two qualifying matches for the 2027 FIBA World Cup. Their inclusion on the 14-player summer roster highlights their growing prominence in the basketball world and offers a glimpse into the talent pipeline feeding into the Bulldogs' roster.
Gonzaga Stars Join Spanish National Team for FIBA Qualifiers
In an exciting development for basketball enthusiasts, two talents linked to Gonzaga University, Mario Saint-Supery and Izan Almansa, are set to don the Spanish national jersey. Their schedule includes a clash against Denmark in Madrid on June 29 and another encounter with Georgia in Tbilisi on July 5, both crucial games in the first phase of the 2027 FIBA World Cup qualifiers.
Izan Almansa, a formidable 6-foot-10 forward/center, committed to the Gonzaga program in May, though his NCAA eligibility is still pending. His career trajectory has been anything but conventional. The Murcia, Spain native has accumulated diverse professional experience, including a stint in the NBA Summer League with the Philadelphia 76ers after going undrafted in 2025. His resume boasts playing for Real Madrid in Spain (2020-21, 2025-26), the Overtime Elite league (2021-23), the NBA G-League Ignite (2023-24), and the Perth Wildcats in Australia's NBL (2024-25). Last season with Real Madrid, he contributed 5.0 points and 2.3 rebounds in an average of nine minutes per game in the Liga ACB and EuroLeague.
Meanwhile, the 6-foot-3 guard Mario Saint-Supery, a native of Malaga, Spain, was a pivotal player for coach Mark Few's Gonzaga team last season. He started in 17 of 35 games, leading the team with 3.8 assists per game. Saint-Supery also ranked second in steals per game (1.3), three-point percentage (40.3%), and free throw percentage (87.8%), showcasing his all-around impact.
This isn't the first time Almansa and Saint-Supery have teamed up for their national squad; they previously played together during the 2024 FIBA EuroBasket qualifiers. It's noteworthy that Gonzaga assistant coach and Director of Basketball Operations Jorge Sanz, a fellow Spaniard, played a key role in recruiting both players to the Pacific Northwest, establishing a strong international connection for the Bulldogs' program.
The selection of Saint-Supery and Almansa for Spain's national team underscores the increasing globalization of basketball and the high caliber of talent attracted to collegiate programs like Gonzaga. For these young athletes, it’s an unparalleled opportunity to gain international experience, hone their skills against top-tier competition, and bring a wealth of knowledge and leadership back to their college team. Their participation not only elevates their individual profiles but also enhances Gonzaga's reputation as a destination for elite basketball talent from around the world, potentially attracting even more international prospects in the future. This dual commitment to both collegiate and national teams reflects a promising path for player development and international sports diplomacy.
