Adelaide 36ers centre Ben Griscti has been dealt a devastating blow just weeks before the start of the new NBL season, after a freak accident at the NBL Blitz left him with a fractured vertebrae in his neck. The shocking incident occurred during a pre-game shoot-around in Canberra when a backboard collapsed following a teammate’s dunk, crashing down onto the 23-year-old big man.
The NBL Blitz, often seen as the premier pre-season showcase for clubs and players to fine-tune their rosters ahead of the campaign, turned into a nightmare for Griscti and the 36ers. The South Australian-born player, who only made his NBL debut last season, had been aiming to build momentum heading into what promised to be a pivotal year in his development. Instead, he now faces an indefinite spell on the sidelines.
“Scans have since confirmed the 23-year-old has suffered a fractured vertebrae but he won't require surgery and is expected to make a full recovery,” the 36ers announced in a statement on Monday.
The club also confirmed that Griscti has returned to Adelaide to begin his recovery. “He has travelled 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.”
A Freak Accident That Stunned Teammates and Fans
Witnesses at the AIS Arena were left stunned as the accident unfolded. During the team’s final shoot-around session, a teammate went up for a dunk that shattered the backboard. Instead of simply breaking the glass—a rare but not unheard-of occurrence in basketball—the force caused the entire structure to collapse, striking Griscti.
The centre was immediately attended to by medical staff before being taken for scans. Thankfully, while the injury is serious, it has been confirmed that surgery will not be required, sparing Griscti from what could have been a far longer rehabilitation process.
For the young big man, the accident is a cruel setback. Griscti had been expected to feature prominently in the 36ers’ rotation this season, providing size, energy, and rebounding off the bench as he continued to establish himself in the professional ranks.
NBL Launches Investigation Into Arena Safety
In the wake of the incident, the NBL confirmed that an investigation has been launched into how the collapse occurred. The AIS Arena, which has hosted major basketball events for decades, had never previously experienced such a structural failure. Ensuring the safety of players, coaches, and fans is now a top priority for league officials.
While freak accidents in basketball do occasionally occur, with shattered backboards or snapped rims making highlight reels around the world, a complete structural collapse of this magnitude is rare. The NBL’s investigation will seek to determine whether the equipment had been properly maintained and whether any oversight could have prevented the accident.
For the league, the incident also raises questions about venue standards, particularly in pre-season tournaments where teams may play in older or less frequently used arenas compared to their regular home courts. The findings of the investigation are expected to influence policies around safety checks and equipment usage moving forward.
Griscti’s Journey and Setback
Ben Griscti’s basketball story is one rooted in persistence. A South Australian native, he rose through the local pathways and earned his NBL debut with the 36ers last season. Known for his size and physical presence in the paint, Griscti quickly became a player to watch among Adelaide’s younger core.
Entering this season, the 23-year-old was determined to carve out a larger role in the squad, showcasing not only his defensive ability but also a developing offensive touch. For Adelaide, whose roster features a mix of seasoned veterans and emerging talent, Griscti’s presence was expected to be an important part of their depth chart.
Instead, the injury now leaves both player and team facing uncertainty. While the 36ers will undoubtedly provide full support during his recovery, the absence of a clear timeline makes it difficult to plan around his return. For Griscti personally, the setback interrupts valuable momentum at a crucial stage of his career.
Team Response and Support
The 36ers’ statement stressed that Griscti’s long-term health remains the number one priority. His teammates and coaching staff have rallied behind him, with many expressing relief that the injury was not worse. With no surgery required, the focus will be on rehabilitation and ensuring that Griscti can return to playing at full strength once fully cleared by medical professionals.
As is often the case with vertebrae injuries, recovery time can vary widely depending on the exact nature of the fracture and how the body responds. The 36ers will work closely with specialists to monitor Griscti’s progress and adjust his rehabilitation accordingly.
What It Means for the 36ers
For Adelaide, Griscti’s absence creates a void in their frontcourt rotation. The team may need to rely more heavily on veteran bigs or adjust their playing style to cover for his loss early in the season. While Griscti was not yet a starter, his energy and impact off the bench offered Adelaide flexibility in managing minutes for their senior players.
The incident also serves as an early test of the team’s resilience. Injuries are an unavoidable part of professional sport, but the sudden and unusual nature of Griscti’s setback makes it particularly difficult to prepare for. Adelaide will be eager to rally together as they look to start their season on the right note despite the blow.
Looking Ahead
Though Griscti’s return timeline remains uncertain, the consensus is that he will make a full recovery. For the young centre, the focus now shifts to recovery, patience, and ensuring that when he does step back on the court, he is both physically and mentally ready to resume his career.
The accident has cast a shadow over what was otherwise meant to be a routine pre-season exercise, but it has also highlighted the importance of safety protocols and the resilience required in professional sport. For Griscti, the road ahead will be challenging, but the 36ers and the wider basketball community have made it clear he won’t be walking it alone.
