Fernando Martin Espina

Fernando Martín Espina was a Spanish professional basketball player who was considered to be one of the best Spanish basketball players ever. He was born in Madrid, Spain on March 25, 1962. He was a prodigy who started playing basketball at the age of 13 and joined the junior team of Estudiantes. He made his debut in the Spanish top division at the age of 16 and soon became a star player. He moved to Real Madrid in 1981 and won four league titles, two European Cup Winner's Cups, one Korać Cup, three King's Cups and one Spanish Supercup with the club. He also played for the Portland Trail Blazers in the NBA in the 1986-87 season, becoming the first Spanish player and the second European to play in the league. He returned to Real Madrid after one season in the NBA and continued to dominate the Spanish and European basketball scene. He also played for the senior Spanish national team and won two silver medals at the 1983 EuroBasket and the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games. He was selected to the All-Tournament Team at the 1985 EuroBasket. He was named one of FIBA's 50 Greatest Players in 1991 and was enshrined into the FIBA Hall of Fame in 2007. He died in a car accident in Madrid on December 3, 1989, at the age of 27. He was on his way to watch a game between Real Madrid and CAI Zaragoza at the Palacio de los Deportes. His death caused a huge shock and sadness in Spanish basketball and sports. His number 10 jersey was retired by Real Madrid as a tribute to his legacy. He is widely regarded as a legend and an inspiration for many Spanish and European basketball players.