Nicknamed 'El Maestro' Jato, born in Lugo, arrived in Malaga to do his military service in 1962, the year in which he joined Ademar thanks to Hermano Lucidio. Manolo Jato led Ademar's players to progress, until in 1964 he was appointed coach of the new CD Málaga basketball project.
Thanks to Jato, CD Málaga basketball and, consequently, Málaga basketball, acquired a higher technical-tactical level, kicking-off a more professional stage in the world of this sport. Being the coach of CD Málaga de Baloncesto, he was selected to manage the Spanish B team and also coached Gibralfaro-La Asunción, one of the first women's teams in Málaga.
In 1968 he signed for Breogán de Lugo, which was promoted to the First Division for the first time in its history.
Within the Málaga CF Foundation book commemorating the 80th Anniversary of La Rosaleda, he commented: “I will always remember my time with CD Málaga as a very beautiful time, in fact, I ended up making my life in this city. As coach of CD Málaga I wanted to work with young people and see them progress. Also seeing how the fans who came to see us play instilled the passion for basketball in their children. I’m pleased at having helped the progression of basketball in Malaga.”
Photo: Manolo Jato, lifted on shoulders
