2019-12-03T12:15:52+00:00

2019-12-03T12:15:52+00:00

2019-12-03T14:59:46+00:00.

30 years have passed since the death of Fernando Martín, the first Spanish player in the NBA.

By Alex Madrid / info@eurohoops.net

On December 3, 1989, Fernando Martín lost his life in a traffic accident at the young age of 27. The legend of Real Madrid was heading to the former Sports Palace to support his teammates in a game against CAI Zaragoza.

Fernando Martín was a pioneer. In 1986 he would become the first Spanish player and the second European to play for an NBA team, the Portland Trail Blazers. He would play a total of 24 games before returning to Real Madrid.

During his career, he managed to win 4 ACB championships, a Club World Cup, a Korac Cup, 3 Copa del Rey, and a Spanish Super Cup. In addition, he won a silver medal at the 1983 Eurobasket with the Spanish NT and another silver at the 1984 Olympics.

Real Madrid, that has lifted his jersey up the WiZink Center rafters, honored Martín with the following video:

Pau Gasol also posted a tribute on his social media, honoring the late pioneer of Spanish basketball.

30 años sin #FernandoMartín. Nuestro primer #NBA. Siempre serás un referente.

¡Allí donde estés, te recordamos! 30 years without #FernandoMartín. The first Spanish @NBA, played for the @trailblazers. You will always be a reference, and we will always remember you! pic.twitter.com/FMNNeWwJtC — Pau Gasol (@paugasol) December 3, 2019

alm_page: 1alm_current: 1almitem: 1alm_found_posts: 1