In a concerning incident at the AIS Arena in Canberra, Adelaide 36ers player Ben Griscti sustained a neck injury when a backboard collapsed during a shootaround. The accident occurred on Saturday afternoon as the team prepared for their final game in the NBL Blitz, the National Basketball League’s preseason tournament. Griscti was reportedly struck on the head by the backboard after a teammate attempted a dunk, leading to the unfortunate collapse.
Following the incident, the 23-year-old initially experienced limited feeling in his right arm, according to sources cited by ESPN. However, he quickly regained sensation in all extremities and is now dealing with neck soreness. A representative from the 36ers confirmed that Griscti was in good spirits, despite waiting several hours for an ambulance to arrive. By the time medical assistance reached him, he was able to stand and walk, indicating a positive sign regarding his condition.
NBL Investigation Underway
The incident has prompted an investigation by the NBL, which is in the process of gathering information regarding the circumstances surrounding the backboard’s failure. The league has been contacted for comment and is expected to release a formal statement shortly. As of now, it remains unclear how this event will impact the ongoing tournament.
Despite the incident, the NBL Blitz is scheduled to continue on Saturday evening. The upcoming games will feature Melbourne United facing the Brisbane Bullets, followed by the 36ers competing against the Tasmania JackJumpers. The potential impact of Griscti’s injury on these games has not been determined, but his health remains the priority for the team and the league.
Griscti, an Adelaide native, is entering his second season with the 36ers. His performance will be closely monitored as the team navigates this challenging situation. Fans and teammates alike are hopeful for his swift recovery and return to the court.
