NBL Player Ben Griscti Injured in Freak Training Accident as Backboard Collapses After Teammate’s Dunk
Canberra, Australia – August 30, 2025 – In a shocking incident during pre-season preparations, Adelaide 36ers center Ben Griscti was hospitalized after a backboard collapsed on him during a training session at the AIS Arena. The 23-year-old Australian big man, who was collecting the ball under the hoop following a teammate’s dunk, was struck by the falling structure, suffering a neck injury. Griscti is reported to be in stable condition and in good spirits, but the mishap has cast a shadow over the National Basketball League’s (NBL) Blitz pre-season tournament, prompting an immediate investigation by league officials.
The accident occurred around 1 p.m. local time on Saturday, August 30, during the 36ers’ shootaround ahead of their evening matchup against the Tasmania JackJumpers at the sold-out AIS Arena. According to eyewitness accounts and reports from Code Sports, the backboard gave way under the force of the dunk, crashing down directly onto Griscti, who was positioned beneath the rim. The 211 cm (6’11”) forward initially reported limited feeling in his right arm but quickly regained sensation in all extremities, now dealing primarily with neck soreness. He lay on the court for over two hours awaiting an ambulance—despite the nearby North Canberra Hospital being just 1.1 km away—before being transported for scans to assess the full extent of his injuries.
Adelaide 36ers captain Dejan Vasiljevic, who was present during the session, described the scene to Code Sports: Griscti was “hit hard as the backboard came down on him” but remained upbeat, even joking with teammates and staff as paramedics arrived. He was able to stand and walk to the ambulance, accompanied by long-term 36ers manager Jared Campbell. The club confirmed in a statement that Griscti would not feature in the night’s game and would not be replaced in the lineup, emphasizing his stable condition.
NBL Response and Ongoing Investigation
The NBL issued an official statement shortly after the incident, acknowledging the “training mishap” and committing to a thorough review. “The National Basketball League (NBL) is aware of a training incident involving Adelaide 36ers’ player, Benjamin Griscti at AIS Arena this afternoon,” the league said. “Griscti is in a stable condition in hospital. The circumstances surrounding the incident will be investigated. The NBL advises that currently, Blitz games scheduled for 30th August will continue.”
The pre-season Blitz, a multi-team tournament in Canberra featuring sold-out crowds and high-profile spectators like tennis star Nick Kyrgios, proceeded as planned despite the accident. The 36ers went on to face Tasmania later that evening, but the focus remained on Griscti’s well-being. Venue operators at the AIS Arena, a historic site for Australian sports, have not yet commented, but the collapse has raised questions about equipment maintenance and safety protocols in professional facilities.
Who Is Ben Griscti? A Rising Star’s Setback
Griscti, born July 4, 2002, in Adelaide, is a homegrown talent who signed a three-year deal with the 36ers in May 2024 after a collegiate career in the U.S. Standing at 6’11”, the power forward/center honed his skills at UC Riverside (where he averaged 7.8 points and 3.3 rebounds in the 2023-24 season) following stints at the University of the Incarnate Word and earlier with the Sturt Sabres in NBL1 Central. A standout junior for South Australia, leading them to a 2019 national title, Griscti made his NBL debut last season, appearing in seven games with modest averages of 0.5 points and 0.7 rebounds per contest.
His signing was seen as a boost for the 36ers’ frontcourt depth, especially after a roster overhaul that included retaining stars like Dejan Vasiljevic and Isaac Humphries while adding imports like Kendric Davis. At 23, Griscti was poised for a breakout in the 2025-26 season, but this injury could sideline him indefinitely pending medical clearance. The club expressed support, stating scans would determine his recovery timeline.
Safety Concerns in Australian Basketball Facilities
This freak accident echoes rare but alarming incidents in basketball history, such as backboard shattering during high-impact dunks in the NBA (e.g., Darryl Dawkins’ famous “backboard breakers” in the 1970s). However, a full structural collapse is unprecedented in modern professional play, prompting calls for enhanced inspections. The AIS Arena, a key venue for Australian Institute of Sport events and now NBL pre-season games, has hosted elite competitions for decades, but this event underscores the need for rigorous safety checks on aging infrastructure.
The basketball community has rallied around Griscti, with fans and players sharing messages of support on social media. One X post from a 36ers supporter read: “Thoughts with Ben Griscti—freak accident, but he’s a fighter. Get well soon!” As the investigation unfolds, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks in high-stakes sports training. Updates on Griscti’s condition are expected soon, with the NBL prioritizing player welfare amid the excitement of the upcoming season.
Sources: ABC News, ESPN, 7NEWS, The Canberra Times, Code Sports, NBL.com.au