MIES - The latest tranche of new FIBA Licensed Agents have been at the House of Basketball in Mies, with some familiar faces such as Virgil Stanescu, Milka Bjelica and Sani Becirovic ready to launch their new careers.

After studying for the relevant accreditation and taking the all-important Agent test, FIBA.com caught up with the vastly experienced Romanian ace Stanescu to find out more about why he is turning to a new direction in his life.

"I played in my own career for almost 20 years and with the national team for 10 of those, while also being the best Romanian player for about five years,” said Stanescu, who played for an array of high-profile European clubs.

"I have been around the world a bit and I am a globetrotter. Four years ago, I became Vice President of the Romanian Basketball Federation and have been a President of Steaua CSM EximBank, so now I am looking to diversify in my career.

"I have definitely been around and know what players go through when they are successful and think the world is theirs, but then find the lights can suddenly be gone and you are left sitting on an uncomfortable chair.”

He continued: "Choosing an agent is a matter of trust and it is a big decision for young players to have to make - especially when many people are making themselves available as agents all of the time.

"I want to be close to athletes more as a mentor, but it is important to have the insight as an agent. I want to use the FIBA certification as an agent as part of a wider package - offering all different services through the Sports Hub community."

Meanwhile Bjelica, who played at six EuroBasket Women Final Round tournaments for both Serbia and Montenegro and then Montenegro, expressed her excitement at her future path.

She explained: "I have decided to stop playing basketball and dedicate myself to this new career and maybe focus on looking after the younger players - that is why I came to do the test.

"I think that the role of an agent is just as important as other people working in the game, such as those within the Federations or clubs.

"The agent is the only person who is constantly in personal and direct contact with the players. I made many mistakes and I think I can learn from this and help young players to make better decisions.

"I want to help them to grow up as players and people, I also want to help the younger generation think about their careers after basketball at a much earlier stage.

"I had many options after my own career ended and I hope to do this job as an agent now. It was important to me that I stayed in basketball coming from such a strong sporting family.

"My aim is to be very professional and I want to sacrifice this next part of my life as a certified FIBA agent," concluded Bjelica.

FIBA