Divac
One of the most famous European basketball players retired in 2005, after 16 years spent in the NBA. But, he was actually planning his future long before that moment.
His first side career project started in 2000, when Divac was appointed as president of BC Partizan Belgrade. However, due to many obligations in NBA, and many non-sports things, legend of black end whites eventually left that function.
Then, Vlade turned to some buiseness projects. He tried several major privatizations in Serbia, without success though, due to variety of reasons. The most recognizable was takeover of beverage producer “Knjaz Milos”, however takeover was aborted by the Serbia’s Securities Commission and Divac withdrew his offer at the end.
Famous player got tired of being stopped or sabotaged in his business attempts in homeland and started investing in restaurants in Sacramento, California.
But, this basketball icon just couldn’t stay out from the sport. Divac had short roles in LA Lakers as a scout, as well as in Real Madrid where he answered the call of his friend Predrag Mijatovic to help the basketball section.
In 2009, Divac became the president of Olympic Committee of Serbia, and he is still at that position.
Also, former NBA player is well known by his humanitarian work. He started many humanitarian actions and is running the family humanitarian organization “Ana and Vlade Divac” together with his wife.
On August 20, 2010, Divac was inducted into the FIBA Hall of Fame in recognition of his play in international competition.
For similar stories, click on After sport’s career.
