Adelaide 36ers centre Ben Griscti is facing a difficult start to the new NBL season after suffering a fractured vertebra in his neck, but the support of his teammates and his passion for the Adelaide Crows’ AFL finals campaign are providing him with much-needed strength and distraction.
The 23-year-old’s injury occurred in shocking circumstances during a pre-season shoot-around in Canberra. As teammates prepared for their clash against Tasmania, a dunk attempt caused the backboard to collapse, and Griscti was caught in the wrong place at the wrong time. The incident left the young centre sidelined and sparked an immediate investigation by the NBL into how such an avoidable accident was allowed to happen at the AIS Arena.
Although scans confirmed a fracture that will keep Griscti out for the opening rounds of the season, the good news for the Sixers is that his injury was not as catastrophic as initially feared. In the frightening aftermath, staff and teammates feared the worst, with concerns he may have broken his neck or back. For more than two hours, Griscti lay waiting for an ambulance, attended by none other than star guard Dejan Vasiljevic, who refused to leave his side.
“You just don’t want it to happen to anyone. I stuck with him through the whole process,” Vasiljevic told AAP. “Mentally I was a bit off during the game but I was just making sure his health and wellbeing is the No.1 priority, just like every other player on my team.”
The Sixers eventually went on to suffer a narrow 97-95 defeat to Tasmania that night, closing their NBL Blitz campaign with a 1-1 record. But basketball was the furthest thing from anyone’s mind. For Vasiljevic and the rest of the team, ensuring Griscti’s wellbeing took precedence.
Support from within the 36ers
The 36ers have made it clear that Griscti’s recovery is a collective effort. “He’s one of our brothers and we’ll do anything we can do to rally around our brother, even if it’s just go over and watch TV,” Vasiljevic said.
He added that Griscti’s love for AFL and his devotion to the Adelaide Crows will give him something to focus on in the early stages of recovery. “I know he’s a big Adelaide Crows supporter, so he’s got a big game to watch on Thursday night. We’ve just got to rally around him and whatever he needs, we’ll be there for him.”
That qualifying final against Collingwood will be a significant moment, not only for Crows fans but also for Griscti, who will be watching closely as he continues his rehabilitation at home.
The freak accident
The incident that sidelined Griscti is already the subject of an official league investigation. While such accidents are rare in professional basketball, it raised immediate questions about safety standards at training facilities. A backboard collapsing mid-session is something no player expects, and for Griscti, it turned what should have been a routine pre-season warm-up into a potentially career-altering moment.
“It could’ve been avoidable but shit happens in life,” Vasiljevic admitted when asked about the freak accident. “I just felt bad for the young fella because obviously you don’t expect something like that to happen. He’s in good spirits, he’s back home in Adelaide. We’ll miss him for the start of the season but we’ll just rally around him and make sure he’s in a good mental space. He’ll come around practices and we’ve just got to make sure he’s doing well.”
The road ahead
Griscti, who made his NBL debut last season, had been preparing for an important year as part of Adelaide’s revamped roster. With the Sixers looking to push for a championship, the 6’11” South Australian-born big man was seen as a developing piece in the team’s puzzle. While his immediate absence is a blow, there is quiet confidence that Griscti will return stronger.
His presence at practices, even while sidelined, will keep him engaged with the squad. The Sixers view his recovery not only as a physical process but also as an emotional one, with mental wellbeing considered equally important. By staying around teammates and remaining connected to the game, Griscti will have the foundation to rebuild once cleared for action.
Football as a welcome distraction
For now, the Crows’ AFL finals campaign is stepping into the void basketball has left. Adelaide’s clash with Collingwood looms large as one of the most anticipated matches of the season, and for Griscti, the timing could not be better. Watching his beloved Crows contend for a premiership offers an outlet that keeps his mind away from the uncertainty of recovery.
The bond between Adelaide’s sports teams is strong, with athletes across codes often supporting one another. Griscti’s situation is a reminder of the shared resilience required in professional sport—whether on a basketball court or a football field, setbacks and challenges are part of the journey.
Looking forward
The 36ers will begin their NBL campaign without Griscti, but his story has already inspired teammates. Vasiljevic’s words echoed the collective mindset within the locker room: unity, loyalty, and resilience. For a club that has endured highs and lows in recent years, rallying around a young player in need is a statement of character.
As Griscti takes the time needed to heal, the Sixers are determined to honour his fight by carrying that same spirit into the season. His teammates believe his eventual return will not only strengthen the team physically but also symbolize the perseverance required to overcome adversity.
For now, all eyes are on Adelaide Oval, where the Crows will do battle with Collingwood. Griscti, sidelined but not forgotten, will be cheering loudly, drawing motivation from the contest. And when his turn comes to step back onto the hardwood, the Sixers know they will be cheering just as loudly for him.
