MIES - Twenty seven newly qualified FIBA licensed agents left the House of Basketball on Tuesday after meeting the standards required.

The first Agents' Test of 2018 at FIBA's headquarters witnessed a number of different personalities all eager to continue their involvement in the sport.

"FIBA certification will now help me to do my job in the best and most professional way as it represents the highest standards," enthused former player Drazan Tomic.

"This will help me when I talk to players about restrictions and regulations. It's why this license is so important for any agents to be able to do their job."

He added: "I played for 15 years professionally and 10 years on the German national team. Basketball is my life. If I'm not attending games, I'm always watching on television and I can't imagine not being in basketball.

"I like to look for talent and enjoy consulting with players about decisions that can help them be good professional players."

Antonio Iliev and Drazan Tomic

Similar sentiments were echoed by another attendee, in the shape of Antonio Iliev, who stated: "I played in Bulgaria and for the national team at U16, U18 and U20 level, also spending a year in high school in Indiana.

"Then, I played professionally in Bulgaria but wanted to develop myself in a different direction and did a Masters Degree in the UK where I studied Sports Management. I decided this [and the FIBA Players' Agents Certification Process] would benefit me in helping players to reach their dreams.

"Being a licensed FIBA agent is a must," concluded Iliev.

It has been more than a decade since the first FIBA Agents test took place, with almost 700 people having gained certification.

FIBA