Australian basketball player Ben Griscti sustained a fractured vertebrae after a backboard collapsed on him Saturday and reportedly waited over 90 minutes for an ambulance according to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC). The 23-year-old center, who plays for the Adelaide 36ers of the National Basketball League (NBL), was taken to the hospital in stable condition after a teammate dunked the ball during practice, causing the structure to collapse at the AIS Arena. While Griscti will miss the start of the Hungry Jacks NBL26 season—which is slated to start Sept. 18—he will not have to undergo surgery and is expected to make a full recovery, according to a statement from the Adelaide 36ers. Griscti has since traveled home and it remains unclear when he will step back on the court. The NBL also released a statement regarding the center’s injury, stating they were “deeply saddened” and are offering support to him and his family. “The welfare of all players and staff is our highest priority,” said the NBL, which is currently investigating the matter with AIS Arena. The athlete thanked fans for the messages of support via the NBL’s Instagram, reassuring fans by saying “I’ll be back soon.”
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