Andreas Zagklis named FIBA secretary general

MIES, Switzerland – FIBA’s Central Board on Friday unanimously agreed to appoint Andreas Zagklis as new FIBA secretary general.

Currently director of legal services and general counsel, Zagklis was hired by FIBA in 2016 after serving for nine years as its external legal advisor. His appointment became effective Dec 8.

A Greek national, Zagklis, 38, has been active in basketball for more than 20 years.

“I’m very pleased that we have chosen our fourth secretary general from among our own management team. A true basketball person, Andreas knows very well our organization and he is the right person to lead FIBA following the strategy adopted by the FIBA Congress. We are all convinced that he will put all efforts in making basketball the most popular sports community in the world, FIBA’s vision,” FIBA president Horacio Muratore said.

The role of secretary general was vacant since the tragic death of Patrick Baumann on Oct. 13 in Buenos Aires.

Zagklis received his under- and post-graduate degrees from the Law School of the University of Athens while he spent two semesters as visiting student at the Universities of Salamanca (Spain) and Western Ontario (Canada) respectively.

He also completed the postgraduate program on Olympic Studies at the International Olympic Academy. Most recently, he attended the Leadership in Corporate Counsel program at the Harvard Law School (USA).

“I would like to thank the Central Board members for the trust bestowed in me. The mission is clear, to grow our sport throughout the world and unite the basketball community. I will serve it mindful of FIBA’s values and rich history. FIBA will continue to work hand in hand with its national member federations on male and female programs in its two Olympic disciplines as well as support wheelchair basketball. In today’s competitive environment, we shall be modern administrators, prudent regulators and excellent event organizers in order to meet the high expectations of the basketball family, most notably our players, clubs, leagues, fans and partners,” Zagklis said.