According to Mundo Deportivo, BAXI Manresa’s respected head coach is poised to leave the team to join Valencia on a 1+1 contract. This 62-year-old Spaniard has a proven track record, having guided Valencia to its only ACB League title in 2017, a season that also saw him recognized as the EuroCup Coach of the Year.
In 2022, Martinez further solidified his reputation by being named the Basketball Champions League (BCL) Coach of the Year. Under his adept leadership, Manresa stunned fans by reaching the BCL Final Four in Bilbao, showcasing their talent and determination, even though they ultimately fell short against Tenerife Lenovo in the final.
Since taking the reins at Manresa in 2019, Martinez has demonstrated exceptional coaching ability, honing his craft with elite Spanish teams like Gran Canaria, Baskonia, and Joventut, among others.
Valencia’s decision to part ways with Alex Mumbru in early April opened the door for new leadership, with assistant coach Xavier Albert stepping in to finish the season. Despite their efforts, Valencia missed the chance to qualify for the EuroLeague postseason in 2023-24 and faced disappointment in the ACB League playoffs, where they were eliminated in the quarterfinals after a challenging 1-2 series loss to Murcia. The arrival of Martinez promises a new chapter for Valencia, filled with potential and hope for future success.
