SEN - Savane back to his best

BADALONA (Liga Endesa) - Some sportsmen lack direction after their professional playing careers draw to a close.

Joventut Badalona center Sitapha Savane doesn't fall into that category.

The 35-year-old native of Senegal, who has been in a rich vein of form lately, already has plenty to keep himself occupied when he's not playing the game that has meant so much to him for more than two decades.

A student/athlete at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland until he graduated in 2000, Savane has put a lot of hard work into becoming the best basketball player he can be, but has done so while also keeping an eye on the future.

He'll have no shortage of options once he stops running up and down the hardwood.

"I'm involved in several businesses here, in Senegal and the States," he said.

"I have already started a 'running transition', let's say, while I keep playing ball a year, two, three more - who knows?"

Savane, speaking to FIBA.com after Joventut's 85-69 defeat at Valencia Basket on Saturday night, says he is planning to get his MBA (Masters of Business Administration) at the ESADE Business School in Barcelona.

"Go get my MBA as I continue with those businesses, follow the business route and eventually, I'm sure, the political route back home," he said.

Savane doesn't have, he says, a craving to be a politician.

"I look at it more that if I'm called, I'll answer, more so than a personal ambition," he said.

The Dakar-born Savane looks as if he may be able to earn a living as a player for quite a while, yet.

He poured in a season-high 26 points at Valencia Basket on Saturday night.

Savane was a jump-shooting machine, banking in several attempts from just outside the lane.

His last points came with a thunderous dunk, which served to remind spectators that he had been the most dominating player in the contest.

Joventut were the better team for much of the contest, but they collapsed over the last 10 minutes.

Savane, a player in Spain since the 2000-01 campaign when he launched his pro career with then LEB side Menorca Basquet, drew the admiration of Valencia coach Velimir Perasovic.

The Croatian was asked about Savane and he described his performance as "spectacular" while also lauding the player's ability to make some tough shots.

"It's been a hole in my career, and is something I've been working a lot on," Savane said of his jump shot.

"Today (Saturday) was one of those days that I came out and led in a lot of ways, and was able to contribute on offense and pass that along to the team. But Valencia are a really tough team and they wear you out."

'Plan B'

Savane values the education that he received in America, so much so that when asked about the path youngsters should take when they leave Africa, he says he always points to the United States.

"I always push them towards the college route," he said.

"The professional game will always be here.

"And, honestly, you will have more doors open to you after playing in the NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) than just coming straight here.

"And, you have that B plan, the better plan.

"You have your studies, your back-up, as we all know that sports is a very fickle career."

Savane says he won't rule out the possibility of staying involved in basketball.

"I've always been told, 'The doors are always open at Gran Canaria (his club before Joventut),' where I played for so long," he said.

"I could help out in any capacity that that may be, but my calling is right now on the business side and eventually political side, if need be."

The good news for Joventut is that the experienced Savane is going to spend most of his time playing the game for the club and sharing his wisdom with its roster full of youngsters.

FIBA