This achievement, which might seem minor, is in fact a reflection of the deep sentimental bond that Córdoba has maintained with basketball over the decades. The feat of the green-and-white team, which has been crowned champion of the Western Group of Segunda FEB, is not only explained by the present but by a rich history that has shaped the city's basketball identity.
For the current entity to reach these new horizons, the legacy of historic teams such as Colecor and Cajasur Baloncesto was fundamental. These formations were pioneers in teaching the city to thrill with this sport, laying the groundwork for the current resurgence at the Vista Alegre pavilion.
The first steps of basketball in Córdoba date back to the late 1930s, with the installation of the first hoops at the Cultura Española school. However, it was Córdoba OJE, founded in 1966, that marked a before and after for the club. Its true momentum came in 1975 with the presidency of a charismatic director, whose drive led the entity to new competitive heights.
“"Córdoba basketball has had moments of great splendor, with figures who left an indelible mark on the memory of fans."
After the fall of the Franco regime, the club adopted the name Juventud de Córdoba and, under this designation, achieved an unthinkable promotion to Primera B in 1980. That team, led by a charismatic coach, filled the legendary Polideportivo de la Juventud, which hosted memorable matches, including visits from Real Madrid and the Italian Mobilgirgi.
Although Juventud Córdoba could only stay one season in Primera B due to economic difficulties, the return to the second tier of Spanish basketball occurred in 1986, under the sponsorship of the dairy company Colecor. During this period, which lasted until 1989, players like Derrick Gervin stood out, who in his only season in Córdoba left an indelible mark with historical performances, including a 64-point game.
Later, Cajasur became a sponsor, opening a new golden age, although the relegation in 1989 and an attempt to promote a competition outside FIBA marked a period of instability. The club would return to the Liga LEB in 1992 and consolidate between 1996 and 2001, reaching the ACB promotion play-offs on several occasions, with figures like Jorge García and Joe Alonso.
Now, Coto Córdoba has the opportunity to return the city to the basketball elite. With a team that features the scoring talent of Ja'Monta Black, the leadership of Kevin Schutte, the direction of Pablo Sánchez, and the cunning of local players Gonzalo and Alejandro Orozco, Gonzalo Rodríguez's pupils will face Amics del Basket Castelló this Saturday in the first leg of the playoff at Vista Alegre.
