FIBA - More prospective agents are tested at FIBA House of Basketball

MIES - This week witnessed the House of Basketball welcoming another tranche of prospective agents who were all put through their paces as they tried to take the all-important step of attaining FIBA certification.

As usual there was an eclectic mix of attendees in Mies, with many of those already involved in the sport at some level, particularly eager to continue their affiliation to the game through becoming a FIBA certified agent.

Among them was a player in the shape of forward Jonathan McClark, who is playing in France with Le Stade Clermontois Basket Auvergne.

And, the American took time out after the test to explain his journey which brought him to shores of Lake Geneva.

He said, "I have been playing a lot of professional basketball for around 13 years now, with a year in China, one year in Spain and now eleven seasons in France.

"I never thought when I was at College that I would be able to play basketball for a career, but it has changed my life.

"My agent, who I have been loyal to and in return has been loyal to me, told me that I should get involved and help to change other people's lives.

"I am going to take this FIBA certification and then go home to the States and also work on my NBA accreditation," added McClark.

"I will maybe even look to get involved in some other sports too, not just basketball."

Meanwhile, Bennet Ahnfeldt has been working in the commercial world of basketball and the German is eager to build on a varied involvement in the sport when he begins his agent activities.

He revealed, "I played a lot of basketball and for the last 16 years of my life, I have been coaching.

"I refereed too, which has helped me to be a better coach and understand the game.

"I have also worked for Nike for around nine years and have been very close to players like Dirk Nowitzki and the German national team.

"I always like to be close to athletes because they inspire me and I will now go back to Germany and complete my registration there as an agent."

With over 500 licensed agents around the world, the number continues to grow as FIBA continues in its efforts to effectively regulate the international transfers of players - something which has noticeably improved the basketball environment since the inaugural test was launched seven years ago.

FIBA