Tore Serra, Sardinian basketball leader, dies at 71

Salvatore “Tore” Serra, the president of the Sardegna Regional FIP Committee, has died at the age of 71 at the Brotzu Hospital in Cagliari. Serra had been hospitalized since Thursday following an abdominal aneurysm surgery on Friday, but his condition worsened before his death.

A prominent figure in Sardinian basketball, Serra was a former player who debuted in the top division at age 15. He was a key member of Brill Cagliari during their 1977 Scudetto qualifying season and famously declined a move to Ignis Varese to remain in Sardinia. His playing career included stints with Pordenone, Latina, Dinamo Sassari, and Esperia, as well as representing Italy in junior and military championships.

Beyond his playing career, Serra was a dedicated educator and sports administrator. He founded the Basket Su Planu club in 1988 and served as the president of the Sardegna Regional FIP Committee, a role he held during his second mandate. Italian Basketball Federation President Gianni Petrucci expressed condolences, noting Serra’s long-standing contribution to the sport.