Four years without Pedro Ferrándiz

Four years ago, Pedro Ferrándiz, the most decorated coach in the history of Real Madrid's basketball division and a global legend in the sport, left us. The coach from Alicante, who was 93 years old at the time, defined an era and led Real Madrid to win 27 titles (4 European Cups, 12 Leagues, and 11 Spanish Cups).

In 1959, he took charge of the first team after his success in the club's youth categories, and until 1975, he alternated between coaching and managing the technical direction of the division. In the 13 seasons he coached the madridista squad, he led 490 games and won 414. Notably, he achieved a streak of 88 consecutive victories between 1971 and 1975. Throughout his career, he demonstrated his genius and innovative capacity and was a pioneer in traveling to the United States to recruit stars like Hightower, Clifford Luyk, Brabender, and Walter Szczerbiak. He also created historic moments in basketball, such as ordering a deliberate own basket in a European Cup game in Varese.

Recognized
Ferrándiz was the coach of the Spanish national team (1964-65) and between 1986 and 1997 managed Real Madrid's basketball division in two different periods. His contribution to the development of global basketball was recognized with honors such as the Grand Cross of the Royal Order of Sporting Merit, the Olympic Order Collar, and his induction into the United States Hall of Fame and the FIBA Hall of Fame. Additionally, in February 2017, he was honored as an honorary member of Real Madrid. 

Disclaimer: Translation generated by artificial intelligence. It may contain inaccuracies.