Serbian forward loses kidney during FIBA World Cup after receiving an elbow

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

Serbian power forward Borisa Simanic had one of those unfortunate experiences in the ongoing FIBA World Cup in Manila.

With only two minutes remaining during Serbia’s game against South Sudan at the Araneta Coliseum, Simanic took a hard elbow when he defended Nuni Omot in the shaded lane and immediately grimaced in pain while holding his midsection.

Little did he know that it was a severe injury, only to be taken to a hospital to undergo an emergency surgery that night.

However, despite the first surgery, further complications took place on Simanic over the weekend and had to be put under the knife for the second time.

This time, Simanic’s kidney had to be removed, and is still in the hospital, continuing to heal from his operation.

The Serbian Federation confirmed the details and also announced that he can no longer continue in the next round of the World Cup.

Following the news, Omot, the player from South Sudan who committed the elbow, wished Simanic a speedy recovery and clarified that the play was not intentional.

“As a sportsman, I firsthand understand the severity of his situation and I am deeply sorry that this happened. No player should have to go through that. I pray for Simanic’s recovery and speedy return to the court,” said Omot.

The absence of Simanic for the Serbian national team will be a huge blow as they aim for a FIBA World Cup title in this 2023 edition.

Led by the hot-shooting Bogdan Bogdanovic of the Atlanta Hawks, Serbia will seek to move on to the final round and must regroup in the most crucial time of the World Cup.