Serbia’s rising star, Borisa Simanic, underwent surgery to remove a kidney following a harrowing injury sustained during a match at the Basketball World Cup.
The incident occurred on August 30th as Serbia dominated South Sudan with a resounding score of 115-83 in the Philippines.
Simanic, a 25-year-old power forward known for his contributions to Zaragoza, was struck in the stomach by South Sudan’s Nuni Omot during the game. Immediate surgery was performed on the same day, but unforeseen complications necessitated a second operation, which took place on Sunday.
Team doctor Dragan Radovanovic expressed cautious optimism, stating, “[We] expect that after this operation, the postoperative course will go smoothly.” Simanic is currently under close observation at a hospital in Manila.
Although no foul play was identified by officials during the incident at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City, Nuni Omot issued a heartfelt apology. “As a sportsman, I firsthand understand the severity of his situation, and I am deeply sorry that this happened,” Omot remarked, adding, “No player should have to go through that.”
As the 19th edition of the World Cup unfolds, co-hosted by the Philippines, Japan, and Indonesia, Serbia now braces for their quarter-final clash against Lithuania on Tuesday.
