Badalona, Spain – The Spanish basketball community is in mourning following the passing of Josep María Oleart, a legendary coach who left an indelible mark on the UCAM Murcia CB and the Liga ACB. Oleart died Sunday in his hometown of Badalona at the age of 80, just after celebrating his birthday.
Oleart’s connection to the club now known as UCAM Murcia CB spanned two significant periods, beginning in the 1993-94 season. He orchestrated a remarkable escape from relegation for CB Murcia, achieving a historic comeback against Forum Valladolid in the ACB playoffs. The following season, he guided the team to its best campaign of the 1990s, a period that remained the club’s most successful until the 2015-16 season.
As a player, Oleart enjoyed a distinguished career with Joventut de Badalona, winning a Spanish League title and a Copa del Rey in 1966, along with five runner-up finishes. He began his coaching journey at Círculo Católico in 1985, later serving as an assistant to Manel Comas and leading Grupo IFA Granollers from 1990 to 1993.
Oleart’s return to Murcia came after a period of instability for the club. Following a near-miss relegation in the 1992-93 season that was resolved through administrative means, then-sporting director Felipe Coello brought Oleart on board. In his first season back, despite a limited roster, Oleart secured the team’s safety in the Liga ACB whereas playing in the Príncipe de Asturias arena. The following year, after a move to the Palacio de los Deportes and bolstered by the signings of Johnny Rogers, Mike Anderson and Bobby Martin, alongside a core of Spanish players including Maiol Cisteró, Xavi Sánchez, Edu Piñero, Ramón Moya, and Quini García, the team came within a step of reaching the playoffs, finishing with 18 wins in 38 games.
The subsequent season saw the club host the Copa del Rey for the first time. Despite a challenging start to the Liga ACB season that included a 12-game losing streak, club president Juan Valverde maintained his faith in the Catalan coach, a testament to Oleart’s respected leadership and tactical acumen. La Opinión de Murcia reported on the club’s continued support during that difficult stretch.
Oleart coached the club in a total of 124 Liga ACB matches, becoming the second coach in the history of the club to manage the most games in the top Spanish basketball league. His commitment, professionalism, and leadership were instrumental in the growth and consolidation of the club within the national basketball landscape.
The UCAM Murcia CB, currently presided over by Doña María Dolores García Mascarell, expressed its deepest condolences to Oleart’s family and friends. The ACB league also released a statement expressing its sorrow, noting Oleart’s achievements as both a player – winning a league title and a Copa del Rey with Joventut – and a coach, with 228 total ACB games to his name. The ACB’s official statement highlighted his significant contributions to Spanish basketball.
Oleart’s coaching career extended beyond Murcia, with a second stint in the LEB league (the second tier of Spanish basketball) in 2001-02 and a final chapter at Cornellá. His influence on the game and the players he mentored will be remembered for years to come.
The passing of Josep María Oleart marks a significant loss for the Spanish basketball community. His dedication to the sport and his impact on the UCAM Murcia CB will not be forgotten.
UCAM Murcia CB will honor Oleart’s memory before their next home game against Gran Canaria on March 8th. Tip-off is scheduled for 8:30 PM CET (7:30 PM UTC).
