Geographical proximity and studies have historically led to a large number of basketball player movements between the islands. However, when filtering by the ACB League, the list is significantly reduced. Now, Jaka Lakovic, after four seasons coaching Gran Canaria, takes the helm of CB Canarias, joining this exclusive group.
This particular island "air bridge" had its first milestone in the late 80s with Antonio Sacedo, who played for Canarias in 83/84 and later for Granca in 91/92. Other names like Juan Méndez, Pepón Artiles, and Ken Johnson also made similar journeys in the early days of the ACB.
After a period of over two decades where CB Canarias was away from the elite, the connection was re-established in 2012. However, most transfers occurred in the reverse direction, with players who first reached the elite with Granca and then signed for Canarias. Players like Richy Guillén, Fotios Lampropoulos, and Javi Beirán, who spent over a decade between both teams, were pioneers in this new era.
This unidirectional trend continued with the arrival in Tenerife of athletes such as Fran Vázquez, Nico Brussino, and Sasu Salin. Subsequently, CB Canarias became more consolidated in the top division, sometimes serving as a testing ground for players who would later move to Granca, like Mike Tobey and Ferran Bassas. Even coach Fotis Katsikaris led both teams.
In recent years, the trend has shifted again, with CB Canarias now hosting players who previously played on the neighboring island. Ilimane Diop, Oliver Stevic, and Dylan Bordón are recent examples. Now, Jaka Lakovic joins this list, crossing the Canary "small pond" to coach at the Santiago Martín.
The list of 22 professionals (20 players and two coaches) could be longer if all requirements were met. Cases like Iván Rodríguez, Petit Niang, or Luke Sikma were not included because they did not play in the ACB for both teams or because they excelled in lower categories. Pablo Aguilar, after three seasons with Granca, signed for Canarias but an injury prevented him from debuting.
The case of Nico Brussino could mark a milestone. If his potential return to CB Canarias is finalized, he would become the first player to make four ACB journeys between both clubs. The Argentine has already played for Granca and Canarias, and could break the tie with Javi Beirán, who had a long career divided between both representatives.
