The coach of the Brooklyn Nets, Jordi Fernández, was named this Sunday as Favourite Son of Badalona, his hometown, in a ceremony at the Teatro Zorrilla. The coach has stated that he hopes to end his career in the NBA with the New York team.
The Teatro Zorrilla in Badalona was the venue for a tribute this Sunday that, according to the protagonist himself, "is the highest honour that any person from Badalona can receive." Jordi Fernández, coach of the Brooklyn Nets, has received the title of Favourite Son of the city, a recognition he shares with figures such as Mireia Belmonte and Miguel Poveda.
A Dream Fulfilled in the NBA
At 43 years old, Fernández has accumulated 18 seasons in the NBA, the last two as head coach of the Nets, a team he recently renewed with a multi-year contract. "I have always said that I hope to retire in the NBA as a coach in Brooklyn," the emotional Badalona coach stated during the event.
Before leading the Nets, Fernández was an assistant with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Denver Nuggets, and Sacramento Kings, and also served as the head coach of Canada. His journey, which began in the lower categories of local basketball, has taken him to the world elite.
"Badalona Always Returns"
"I have spent eighteen seasons in the NBA, away from home, but the truth is that my family is still here and I always return to Badalona," Fernández explained, who resides in the United States but maintains strong ties to his hometown. "Being able to pass this culture on to my children is very important for my wife and me," he added.
The mayor of Badalona, Xavier García Albiol, highlighted that the council recognises "not only a brilliant and spectacular sports and professional career, the highest a basketball coach can aspire to, but above all a person who has triumphed and carries the name of Badalona wherever he goes." Albiol recalled that Fernández's first words upon his presentation as coach of the Nets were to "highlight his origins and what the city represented to him."
Sometimes, support can be given with words, but when it is given with actions it means more
The event included the screening of the documentary 'From Badalona to Brooklyn', produced by the New York franchise itself, which reviews the coach's journey. The coach expressed his gratitude for the affection received: "Being part of such a select club is incredible. The things you do representing your city, you do without wanting anything in return."
An Example for the Youth of Badalona
The recognition of Fernández not only celebrates his professional success but also serves as an inspiration for the new generations of the city. With his story, the coach demonstrates that from Badalona, one can reach the highest echelons of world basketball. The coach has expressed his gratitude to the city council and all attendees, promising to continue "carrying the name of Badalona around the world."
The title of Favourite Son of Badalona adds to a list that includes swimmer Mireia Belmonte, singer Miguel Poveda, actor Eric Borràs, historian Joaquim Font, and former mayor Salvador Serentill. A select group that now includes an NBA coach among its members.
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