This task is challenging, but not due to the topic itself. It revolves around a uniquely significant moment in my life, an experience that I cherish deeply. These are memories of events and people that will remain etched forever in my heart
I am attempting to convey the intense emotions I feel, particularly the deep respect and admiration I have always held for the man who introduced me to Spain, Don Juan Fernandez Garcia.
I sincerely hope that as I write this, I can honor him and his family appropriately.
Don Juan Fernández Garcia
Club Baloncesto O.A.R., which stands for Organization Athletic Recreation, was a basketball organization based in Ferrol, La Coruña, Spain. Established in 1951, the club had a noteworthy run until its dissolution in 1996. Over the years, it competed for thirteen seasons in the ACB League and its earlier version, the First Division, and made three appearances in the Korac Cup. Its founder Don Juan Fernandez Garcia is widely recognized as the Godfather of Galician Basketball and played a pivotal role as one of the founding members of what is now known as the ACB League, serving as its third President.
In addition the modestly sized town of Ferrol he took the initiative to organize FIBA World Cup events.
And finally, during his tenure as Minister of Industry in Galicia, he was instrumental in the construction of the sports arena in Lugo, which became the home for the Breogan and Ensino basketball clubs.
Not only did he serve as the President of the OAR club he was also a Deputy in the Galician Congress. Additionally, he held the role of Counsellor of Industry and was the Mayor for the Independents of Ferrol, as well as the Lieutenant Alcalde.
With a background as a naval and marine engineer in the reserve, he worked at E.N. Bazán (now known as Navantia) from 1970 to 1983, eventually becoming its Project Director. His tenure as president of OAR Ferrol spanned 34 years from 1960 to 1994. In 1989, he was elected as a deputy in the Galician Parliament and later served as the Minister of Industry for the Popular Party in the Galician Government. In 1995, he founded a new political party, IF (Independientes por Ferrol), which successfully secured five councilors in the municipal elections. He then went on to serve as the deputy mayor of Ferrol from 2003 to 2007.
This translated quote from the magazine GIGANTES by José Manuel Puertas in 2021- “Because La Malata, the Ferrol pavilion, was a transcendental square in those years of Galician derbies with national impact, when OAR – founding club of the ACB – dared to knock down giants and in which the estuary was even the venue for the 1986 World Cup…”,…”and For many, the arrival of Juan Fernández to the presidency of the OAR is the starting point of the explosion of Ferrol basketball. “He was one of those leaders of the 80s with an enormous personality. He had a lot of vision, he was ahead of his time, a brilliant guy, a naval engineer and a great conversationalist. He convinced you.”
Tim Shea-Winston All Stars
Juan observed me coaching the Summer Tour team of the Winston All Stars, where our star player Kenny Simpson shone brightly, as we went head-to-head with his O.A.R. team. At that moment, he remained silent, but later he contacted agent Luciano Cappichioni (RIP) with an intriguing proposal. Back then, I was completely unaware of Ferrol, O.A.R., Nate Davis, or Juan Fernandez. Yet, as time unfolded, the experiences I gained there had a significant impact on my career and personal life. The relationships developed, including with club directors like Juan Roca and Tomas Blanco, the remarkable Rogelio Bermudez(RIP), our multi-talented “Sammy Davis Jr.,” and the always-joyful Mar(RIP), the club secretary, created a deep sense of family and camaraderie.
PUNTA ARNELA!
Reflecting on that chapter of my time in Ferrol, I can’t help but remember the cozy home court gym called Punta Arnela where, due to the fans deafening enthusiasm, for many hours after our games ended one’s ears did not work.
I must mention the unique Galician skies, the moist climate, and my first delightful encounter with the exquisite culinary discovery of percebes. To fend off the chill and dampness, I enjoyed an afternoon glass of Oporto, generously offered and shared by my next door neighbor. Yet, more than anything, I cherish the memories of the players who formed that incredible and overachieving team that boldly qualified for the first time in its history for international competition, the former Korac Cup.
Regrets
If there’s one thing I sometimes look back on with regret, it’s not accepting the club’s three-year renewal offer, which would have allowed me to take on the roles of Head Coach or Sports Director—or even both. Instead, I chose to go with the Lugo club. Reflecting on that decision, I believe I was following my destiny and a path that ultimately led me to my future(current) wife and happiness.
I must acknowledge that Juan, much like he did for others at the club, imparted invaluable lessons and insights—even more so than my own father. His intelligence, deep understanding of the game, and thought-provoking questions, all delivered with a respectful and heartfelt tone, helped me evaluate both myself and my work. What stood out most was his remarkable ability to provide perspective. For instance, shortly after I joined Ferrol, he reassured me, saying, “Don’t stress about the basketball exams from the Spanish Federation; your real test will come on game days.” His clarity was refreshing.
I have had the recent pleasure of chatting with one of his sons, Poli.
Also with our then team captain Mico Saldana, with his teammate, our philosophical, lifetime Ferrol resident Miguel Loureiro and he sir Adolfo “Fito” Arribas of Ourense Basketball fame.
Poli Fernández -The Third of Seven Siblings
I had immense respect for him; he was a true role model. My father possessed an extraordinary work ethic, a remarkable capacity for hard work, and an unrelenting drive to achieve his goals. As one of the founders and president of the ACB, he inspired confidence in those around him and dedicated 18 hours a day to his activities. His favorite place outside the office, where he held meetings and devised strategies, was a charming local restaurant called ‘O’XANTAR.’ There, he spent countless hours engaging in debates on a wide range of topics, from politics and philosophy to basketball and the complexities of life.
Mico Saldaña – The Captain
“I left Vallehermoso and was with Juan for 20 years. He is the most important person I have met in my life”. “Between playing for the club and working in the Astillero I learned from him as if he was my second father or a big brother. He was, and taught me to be, always prepared”. “Above all has super intelligence and with a very strong character”.
What I will always remember about him?
His fighting like and animal for the things he believed in and wanted to achieve. Also… His ability to persuade was a fundamental gift’
.
Miguel Loureiro – The Gallego
*Asked that I post his comments in Gallego..
How many years were you with Juan?
I went into OAR at 19 years old and stopped when I was 37. I then remained with the club until I was 48 as a coach..
What was he to you?
“He was my guide. He a great boss in the Astillero. He was my light in the darkness of life. He had vision and was my greatest advisor”.
What will you always remember about him?
“His deep caring about people and things and his humanity”
Adolfo “Fito” Arribas – The President: Club Ourense
“We met in 1984 and he has been my guide in basketball”.
“When it was necessary he gave support for the COREN company to be our club sponsor”.
His best attribute?
“Being a great friend to one and all”
Do you agree that he be called the Godfather of Galician basketball?
Without a doubt he helped everyone he could including us, Obradoiro and Bosco of Coruña.
His most important accomplishment?
“The Korac three times classified, The World Cup in Ferrol and of course the ACB as one of four founders… He was also President”.
“As a matter of fact he recommended that we sign you, Tim as our coach when we were in dire straits”.
These and myself are just a few of the many, many lives like Coach Manolito Aller or Anicet Lavodrama that owe so very much to Don Juan Fernandez Garcia.
We all remain in his debt, as does Galician and yes, Spanish Basketball.


Artículos de opinión
Redes sociales:
X: @TimShea03304927
Facebook: Tim L Shea
Instagram: tim.shea49