This Wednesday in Barcelona, the ACB held an emotional tribute to Eduardo Portela, honorary president and fundamental figure in the history of Spanish basketball. Current and past leaders, former players, coaches and journalists gathered at Pep’s El Passadís Restaurant, who recognized Portela’s legacy in the growth and development of this sport in Spain.
Portela, who just turned 90, has been linked to basketball for more than six decades. In the 60s and 70s he stood out as a coach and sports director, and in 1982 he was one of the promoters of the founding of the ACB, an organization of which he was manager until 1990. That same year he assumed the presidency, a position he held for 23 years. until 2013, when he was named honorary president. His leadership helped consolidate the ACB as a benchmark in professional basketball internationally.
During the tribute, Antonio Martín, current president of the ACB, presented Portela with the Association’s gold insignia, making him the first person to receive this honor at two different times in his life. Martín highlighted two words when referring to Portela: “gratitude and legacy.” “There were 23 years of running this ship, teaching us and guiding us,” he said, and extended his gratitude “on behalf of the entire ACB family and basketball in general,” also highlighting the fundamental support of María Planas, Portela’s wife.
For her part, Elisa Aguilar, president of the Spanish Basketball Federation, described Portela as “a visionary.” “We have a lot to thank him for, especially his drive in the creation of competitions and structures that have allowed the growth of basketball in Spain,” he added.
Fernando Molinero, general director of the Higher Sports Council, also praised his “legacy”, emphasizing that Portela left a mark not only in basketball but in all of Spanish sport.
In the end, Portela thanked the tribute: “This lunch is an immense detail and seeing so many friends with whom I have shared important moments gathered here.” He also reflected on the founding of the ACB 40 years ago: “It was the beginning of a modern and necessary stage for our clubs and fans.” With emotion, he added: «I have shared this path with my wife, María, who has always been a basketball enthusiast; Without your support, my life would have been very different.
Although they could not attend, Alejandro Blanco, president of the Spanish Olympic Committee, and Jorge Garbajosa, president of FIBA Europe, also dedicated words of recognition. Blanco highlighted that Portela “is a special person, who embodies values of respect, knowledge, ability and passion for basketball,” while Garbajosa thanked “his closeness and kindness for so many years.”
