Taboada's Return: US Dreams Dashed for Cantabria Challenge

Carlos Taboada, a promising young centre-back from La Coruña, is preparing for a match that will be close to home this Sunday. His team, Grupo Alega Cantabria, will face Leyma Coruña at 12:30 at the iconic Coliseum. For the talent born in 2003, this is not just another game - it is his debut in the Primera FEB league and a touching return to his roots.

Taboada, who has just settled in Torrelavega, cannot hide his excitement. Full of motivation and gratitude for this opportunity, he is ready to make a statement. After honing his skills in the Segunda Division last year with Sornozu Sasquibaloa, a club that plays in Bilbao Basket, he is acutely aware of the increased intensity at this level - and is enjoying every minute of it.

The road to Cantabria

According to his agent, coach Lolo Encinas and sporting director David Mangas were looking for a third center for their squad. Taboada's name came up and they didn't hesitate to invite him. At first, however, the 22-year-old had doubts. Dreaming of playing in the United States on a university program, he decided to take a different path. However, when that didn't work out, Cantabria's offer seemed like the right move at the right time.

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Having already played for Culleredo, Obradoira, Bilbao and Sornozu, Taboada sees each season as a stepping stone. At 22, he has plenty of room to grow and he is determined to do so. Ask him about his ultimate goal and he doesn't shy away: the dream of reaching the ACB, Spain's top division. Day after day, he is working hard to achieve it.

Team dynamics and expectations

Taboada, who plays behind the third central defender, Jiahao Yu and Garmine Cande, has fitted in perfectly. Each player brings something different, but their styles blend well. Off the pitch, they are just as close-knit, spending time together and building a real camaraderie that shows in their play.

So what should Leima-Coruña be prepared for when they face Cantabria? A team that lives and breathes hard work, with defense at its core. Not the kind of team that chases endless points, they build their game on a solid defense - running hard, fighting for every inch and dominating the rebounds. That's their bread and butter.

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However, Taboada has no illusions about the challenges ahead. Leima is a force to be reckoned with, a powerful team that plays fast, scores goals and points in a flurry. For Cantabria, the plan is clear: keep the defense tight and slow down the pace. After Leima's recent mistake against Obradoiro, who knows - could this be Cantabria's chance to attack? One thing is for sure, it will be a turning point.

Emotions of returning home

For Taboada, stepping onto the floor of the Coliseum in A Coruña is more than just a game, it's a personal matter. He is excited about the idea of ​​playing in front of his family and friends, hoping to see a few of his shirts flying in the stands. While he has nothing but affection for Leyma, let's just say, he won't be rooting for them this weekend - or when they come to Cantabria later in the season.

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As a proud local boy, he is happy to see basketball gaining momentum in a city that has long been obsessed with football thanks to Depor. Leyma's performance in the ACB last year changed the narrative significantly, and although he wasn't there to witness it firsthand, it brings a smile to his face. Will he be able to be part of that story in the future? Time will tell, but the dream is alive.

Sharing a locker room with his compatriot Pablo Hernández, who once wore Leyma's colors, was a bonus. They hit it off from day one, and Taboada can't say enough about him—he's a cool guy and a tireless worker. Learning from someone like that? He soaks up every bit of wisdom he can get.