Juan Toscano-Anderson, a former Golden State Warrior, recently returned to Kaiser Permanente Arena, where his basketball journey began. As he looks at the new tattoo on his left forearm, he feels immense pride. The tattoo, honoring his son, is healing well and reflects Toscano-Anderson’s dedication to fatherhood.
“Being a dad is at the top of my list,” Toscano-Anderson told NBC Sports Bay Area. “It’s the best thing I could have ever done. I’m grateful my son chose me to be his dad. He’s my baby goat, the best thing to ever happen to me.”
At 31, Toscano-Anderson is back at the Santa Cruz Warriors’ home court, participating in the G League United for the Fall Invitational. The event will see him play against BC Mega Mis from Serbia, the same club where former Warriors assistant coach Dejan Milojevic coached future NBA stars Nikola Jokić and Ivica Zubac.
During the final practice before their first game, Toscano-Anderson energized his teammates with a lively huddle led by San Diego Clippers coach Paul Hewitt. Toscano-Anderson, a seasoned player with significant experience, stands out as a leader among the group.
Despite being a free agent, Toscano-Anderson remains determined and enthusiastic about returning to Santa Cruz. His relentless defense, dedication to diving for loose balls, and high-flying athleticism have been key to his success.
Toscano-Anderson has been working hard on his shooting skills, particularly his three-point shooting, training with coach Phil Beckner in Phoenix. He aims to demonstrate consistency and secure a training camp invite with an NBA team.
The sentimental value of these games is not lost on Toscano-Anderson. He previously earned a spot on the Santa Cruz Warriors through an open tryout in 2018 and played 74 games before making his NBA debut with the Golden State Warriors on February 8, 2020.
“I missed playing in Santa Cruz,” Toscano-Anderson recalls. “I never knew if I’d get the chance to play here again. Now that I do, I want to enjoy it and be present in the moment.”
It has been over four and a half years since Toscano-Anderson last played in Santa Cruz and six months since his last game with the Mexico City Capitanes of the G League. After a stint with the Sacramento Kings, Toscano-Anderson faced a challenge but quickly found support in Mexico City, where he remains popular.
In 2022, Toscano-Anderson became the first Mexican-American to win an NBA championship. His son attended his first game on December 3, 2023, where Toscano-Anderson scored 29 points, surpassing his previous career highs.
“You enter this profession wanting to be a basketball player, but it involves so much more,” Toscano-Anderson said. “It’s cool to be a role model for kids, but being a role model for my own son is even more meaningful. I want him to be proud of me and set a standard for him to aspire to.”
Parenthood has given Toscano-Anderson a new perspective, driving him to excel both as a player and a father. He aims to build a lasting legacy that his son can be proud of.
As he steps back onto the court at Kaiser Permanente Arena, Toscano-Anderson will reflect on his past experiences and the support from Santa Cruz fans. The tattoo of the baby goat on his forearm symbolizes the motivation and joy fatherhood has brought to his life, guiding him through his basketball journey.
