A Valladolid Native Returns: Iñaki Martín Takes teh Helm of Real Valladolid Basketball
Valladolid welcomes back one of its own as Iñaki Martín, a seasoned basketball coach with a remarkable career, returns to lead Real Valladolid Basketball. This homecoming marks a full-circle moment for the Gipuzkoan coach, who first made his mark on the city’s basketball scene during his early coaching days.
Martín’s journey began in Valladolid, where he honed his skills with CD San José and regional teams affiliated with the former CB Valladolid. He further developed his expertise guiding youth teams at Ponce CB and leading Duero Lago in the First National league for four years.His ascent to professional basketball commenced in the 2007/2008 season as an assistant coach for Palencia basketball in the LEB Plata (now known as Segunda FEB). Since then, Martín has consistently operated at the highest levels of competition.
His success continued with the Wolves of cantabria, where he secured a double victory, claiming both the Copa and the LEB Bronze league title.
Martín’s coaching prowess extended beyond Spain’s borders, leading him to Africa.As head coach of Maxaquenne from Maputo, he achieved two Vodacom League titles and guided the team to the semifinals of the prestigious African Cup.
his notable performance caught the attention of the Mozambican national team, who appointed him head coach for the 2011 and 2015 AfroBasket tournaments.He also represented Mozambique in the African Games in 2011 and 2015, securing a silver medal in the first edition.
Throughout his career, Martín has balanced club and national team commitments. He served as an assistant coach for CB Zamora in the EBA League, Margarita Guaiqueries in Venezuela, and CB Valladolid in the LEB Gold.
In 2015, Martín took the reins of the newly formed City of Valladolid Basketball Club in the LEB Plata. Following this, he embarked on further international experiences, coaching the Mozambican women’s U18 team (AfroBasket silver medalists), the Maputo Railway women’s team (Super Cup champions and African Clubs runners-up), and the Mozambican national team in the 2017 AfroBasket. He also spent two seasons coaching Sport Clube Lusitânia Basketball in Portugal.
Since 2019, Martín has primarily focused on coaching in Spain, adding to his already impressive list of achievements. as technical director and assistant coach to marcelo Nikola at Gipuzkoa Basketball,he contributed to their Princess Cup victory and promotion to the Endesa League. He later stepped in as head coach for two games, securing victories in both, when Nikola was sidelined due to a positive COVID-19 test.
In 2022, Martín joined Estudiantes in the LEB Gold as an assistant coach before moving to Burundi to coach Big BBC in the Burundi League in 2023.He returned to Spain in 2024 to join Real Betis as an assistant to Bruno Savignani. This season, he rejoined the ACB league as assistant coach to Porfi Fisac at Zaragoza, leading the team to crucial victories after Fisac’s expulsion, demonstrating his vast experience and expertise.
Now, Iñaki Martín returns to Real Valladolid basketball, bringing with him a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success. His homecoming is a testament to his deep connection with the city and his commitment to developing basketball talent.
Welcome back, basketball fans, to a truly momentous occasion! it’s wonderful to see the pride in Valladolid as we welcome back one of their own, a man whose journey began right here on these very courts.Iñaki Martín, a seasoned coach with a career marked by remarkable achievements, returns to lead real Valladolid Basket. This isn’t just a coaching appointment; it’s a homecoming, a stunning full-circle moment. [3]
Iñaki’s story is one of dedication and passion.He cut his teeth coaching within the city, nurturing his talent with CD San José and other regional teams. He’s went on to achieve great things throughout his career, but I know his heart has always held a special place for Valladolid. Today, that heart brings him back to where it all began. [3]
This homecoming is sure to ignite a spark in both the team and the city. Iñaki’s experience and understanding of Valladolid’s basketball legacy will be invaluable. The energy is palpable; everyone is buzzing with anticipation for what this new chapter holds.
Let’s raise a toast to Coach Martín’s return and wish him and Real Valladolid Basket all the best for a season full of triumphs!
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