This Saturday, the Príncipe Felipe Pavilion will host the meeting of the players and coaches who starred in that historic milestone of Spanish basketball
The Spanish youth basketball team that won the European runners-up in 1985 in Ruse (Bulgaria) will meet again this Saturday, December 13, at the Príncipe Felipe Pavilion in Zaragoza, on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of that historic sporting success.
Between August 17 and 26, 1985, Spain had a brilliant performance in the European Youth Championship, reaching the final against a powerful Yugoslavia, led by Svetislav Pešić and with players who would mark an era such as Toni Kukoč, Vlade Divac and Dobras. The final score was 99-81, and the Spanish Ferran Martínez was named MVP of the tournament.
The players Carlos Gil, Jordi Grau, Sergi López, Javier Gorroño (captain), Jordi Pardo, Fernando Albert, Víctor Fernández, Carles Ruf, Juanan Morales, José Luis Criado, Ferran Martínez and Pep Cargol have confirmed their attendance at this emotional meeting in Zaragoza. On behalf of the coaching staff, the coach Miquel Nolis, the assistant delivery man Ismael Cantó, the delegate Alfredo García, the physical trainer Manolo Montesinos, the physiotherapist Emilio Biel and the FEB delegate Carlos Pastrana will attend.
During the event, Vicente Sanchís, the championship referee, who recently passed away, will also be remembered.
A DEMANDING AND BRILLIANT TOURNAMENT
The 1985 European Championship was marked by intense, high-level matches. Spain opened with a solid victory against Israel by almost 20 points, and then beat Finland, Italy and France, ensuring their place in the final rounds. The defeat against Bulgaria in the qualifying round only tested the team’s resilience.
In the semifinals, Spain beat Germany (88-81) and reached the grand final against Yugoslavia. Despite taking the lead on two occasions during the second half, the Spanish team could not stop Dobras’ 36 points and the talent of two future NBA stars, Vlado Divac and Toni Kukoc, led by the then young Svetislav Pesic
