From Nomad Life to Basketball Star

Scoring 57 points in a basketball game in a top-level national competition is a rare feat. And it’s been achieved by Nicolás Pascual Leiva, a young athlete from Alicante, Spain, who has taken the United Kingdom basketball scene by storm. His remarkable performance has even caught the eye of scouts from the Spanish Basketball Federation.

A Family’s Unconventional Journey

Leiva’s path to basketball success is as unique as his talent. His parents, Juan Alberto Pascual and María Estela Leiva, both former local police officers, made a life-altering decision to sell their home in Alicante and embark on a journey around the world to create a future for their two children.

Their adventures included a 3,000-kilometer rally through the Moroccan desert in a Seat Panda. The family arrived in the United Kingdom in 2019 to provide their children with the opportunity to learn English. A period of lockdown due to Covid-19 extended their stay, followed by further travels until their children expressed a desire to settle back in England.

Developing a Passion for the Game

Initially encouraged to play rugby, a popular sport in the UK, Leiva gravitated towards basketball. He dedicated himself to rigorous training, often practicing alone, honing his skills in the gym and through outdoor shooting sessions. His commitment has propelled him to become one of the most productive scorers in the NBL U18 East Premier.

Rising Through the Ranks

Currently a ‘student-athlete’ at Long Road Sixth Form College, Leiva is making waves in multiple leagues: the NBL Division 2, the NBL U18 East Premier, and the College Basketball League (CBL) Tier 3 East. He is currently the second-highest scorer in the NBL U18 East Premier, averaging 20.8 points per game.

His standout performance came in a single game where he scored 57 points – a historical record for his academy. His parents highlight this as a performance that not only elevated his competitive status, but confirmed his ability to dominate a game offensively.

Beyond scoring, Leiva averages 8.4 rebounds, and 13.7 efficiency per game in the U18 East Premier, demonstrating his all-around contribution. He has made 161 baskets this season, showcasing both volume and consistency.

International Recognition

Leiva’s talent extends beyond the UK. He competed with London Gloriosi in the EYBL U20 in Hungary, earning Team MVP honors with averages of 17 points, 16 rebounds, and 22 efficiency. He led the tournament in rebounding with 15.75 catches per game.

In the U17 category, he again earned EYBL Team MVP recognition, averaging 10 points and 14 rebounds. He was as well named MVP and a member of the Ideal Quintet (Star 5) in the North Atlantic Basketball League (NABL), posting 22 points, 12 rebounds, and 26 efficiency per game. He was also named Most Improved Player in the Sant Feliu de Llobregat tournament in Spain.

Future Prospects

The Spanish Basketball Federation has expressed interest in Leiva, stating they want to meet him. His family is now navigating between Spain and the UK to support both his basketball career and his sister Violeta’s singing aspirations. Potential next steps include university basketball programs, such as the University of East London, and a possible future with the London Lions in the British Basketball League (BBL).

Key Stats & Achievements

• Second-highest scorer in NBL U18 East Premier (20.8 points per game)
• 57 points in a single game (Academy Record)
• EYBL U20 Team MVP (Hungary)
• NABL MVP & Ideal Quintet
• Most Improved Player (Sant Feliu de Llobregat Tournament)