{"id":114870,"date":"2025-09-03T05:03:08","date_gmt":"2025-09-03T05:03:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/114870\/"},"modified":"2025-09-03T05:03:08","modified_gmt":"2025-09-03T05:03:08","slug":"aussie-basketball-player-injured-after-hoop-practice-mishap","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/114870\/","title":{"rendered":"Aussie basketball player injured after hoop practice mishap"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!\n <\/p>\n

Ben Griscti, who plays for the Australian professional<\/a> men’s basketball team, the Adelaide 36ers, is on the road to recovery after he was on the receiving end of a backboard mishap recently during practice.<\/p>\n

The 36-year-old ended up with a fractured vertebra after a backboard collapsed following a fellow basketball player\u2019s dunk during last Saturday\u2019s practice at the Australian Institute of Sport Arena in Canberra, the Adelaide 36ers confirmed.<\/p>\n

The injury forced Griscti to the sideline<\/a> for the start of Australia\u2019s National Basketball League season.<\/p>\n

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Ben <\/p>\n

Ben Griscti warms up ahead of the round 13 National Basketball League Australia match between South East Melbourne Phoenix and Adelaide 36ers at John Cain Arena, on Dec. 21, 2024, in Melbourne, Australia. (Josh Chadwick\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

“Ben was injured when a backboard collapsed on top of him during the team\u2019s shootaround at the AIS Arena, ahead of the side\u2019s final NBL Blitz game,” a news release<\/a> from the Adelaide 36ers read.<\/p>\n

According to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation<\/a>, a hospital was located within a five-minute car trip from the arena, but it took roughly 90 minutes for an ambulance to arrive.\u00a0<\/p>\n

“There were a number of other emergencies in the territory at the time of that call,” an ACT Ambulance Service official told the outlet.<\/p>\n

NEBRASKA PUNTER ARCHIE WILSON BREAKS DOWN IN TEARS WHILE DISCUSSING FAMILY IN AUSTRALIA: ‘I MISS THEM’<\/a><\/p>\n

“As soon as we were able to dispatch a paramedic crew to that patient they attended, and they transported that patient in a stable condition through to the emergency department,” the spokesperson added.<\/p>\n

Fox News Digital requested comment from the ACT Ambulance Service and the Australian government\u2019s Office for Sport, but did not immediately receive a response.<\/p>\n

\"Ben <\/p>\n

Ben Griscti warms up before a round two National Basketball League Australia match between Cairns Taipans and Adelaide 36ers at Cairns Convention Centre, on Sept. 28, 2024, in Cairns, Australia. (Emily Barker\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

Officials said Griscti was “conscious, alert and breathing” before and during the hospital transport. The team doctor tended to Griscti before the emergency response vehicle arrived at the arena.<\/p>\n

The injury is not expected to require surgery, the team said. Griscti has returned home since he sustained the back fracture. There is currently no timetable for Griscti\u2019s return to the hardwood.<\/a><\/p>\n

“He has traveled home to Adelaide and a timeline for him to return to the court will not be set until he is able to get further medical advice to determine the next steps around the management of the injury,” the statement concluded.<\/p>\n

\"Ben <\/p>\n

Ben Griscti of the Adelaide 36ers warms up before the round 10 National Basketball League Australia match between Adelaide 36ers and Tasmania Jackjumpers at Adelaide Entertainment Centre, on Nov. 30, 2024, in Adelaide, Australia. (Maya Thompson\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

However, Griscti noted via an NBL social media account<\/a> that he intended to “be back soon.” He also expressed gratitude for the “messages of support.”<\/p>\n

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP<\/a><\/p>\n

The NBL released a statement, saying in part the league was “deeply saddened” after learning of Griscti\u2019s injury.<\/p>\n

Follow Fox News Digital\u2019s sports coverage on X<\/a>, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Chantz Martin is a sports writer for Fox News Digital.<\/p>\n