Recognition for Basketball Legend
The Mayor of La Laguna, Luis Yeray Gutiérrez, will present a motion at the upcoming council meeting scheduled for October. This motion seeks to initiate the process for honours and distinctions to be awarded to Canarian basketball player Carmelo Cabrera Domínguez, proposing that he be named an ‘Adopted Son’ of the municipality.
This recognition aims to celebrate the athlete’s professional career and his contributions to basketball at local, national, and international levels.
Significant Ties to La Laguna
The mayor noted in a statement the strong connection between Carmelo Cabrera and San Cristóbal de La Laguna, stating that he developed a significant part of his lengthy and successful basketball career there. He played for the Club Baloncesto Canarias from 1981 to 1988, participating in a total of 123 official matches.
“Carmelo is a symbol and an icon of our sport, despite being born in Gran Canaria, as he was part of one of the most successful and outstanding teams in the history of the aurinegro club. For this reason, among others, we believe he serves as a reference and an example for countless generations of Laguna residents who love and enjoy this sport,” the mayor added.
Illustrious Career Achievements
The Canarian guard not only excelled during his time at Canarias but also achieved notable milestones while wearing the Real Madrid jersey, winning ten league titles, seven cups, three intercontinental titles, and two European championships.
In parallel to his accomplishments with the Madrid club, Carmelo Cabrera had a distinguished international career with the Spanish national team, earning over a hundred caps.
He participated in the Munich Olympics in 1972 and was part of the team that secured a silver medal at the Eurobasket in Barcelona in 1973.
Legacy in Spanish Basketball
Carmelo Cabrera Domínguez led the Spanish basketball top tier in assists during the 1983/84 and 1984/85 seasons while representing La Laguna. He retired on 23 April 1988, having proudly defended the name of Club Baloncesto Canarias and leaving an indelible mark on the municipality.
He is still remembered by fans as an emblem both on and off the court, valued for the principles he embodied, his charisma, and his social commitment to charitable sports events.
