Very sad news.

He was laying on the floor for over an hour as they were waiting for an ambulance. I am surprised an ambulance took that long to arrive.

An Adelaide 36ers player has been injured after one of the basketball backboards collapsed at AIS Arena in Canberra.

CODE Sports has been told second-year big man Ben Griscti was left prone on the court after a teammate's dunk brought down the apparatus on top of him.

It’s understood the incident occurred around 1pm AEST, in training.

The 23-year-old was being tended to by medics at the venue while awaiting an ambulance to take him to hospital. He has been lying prone on the floor for over an hour as they continue to wait for an ambulance.

A source said the 211cm centre complained he’d lost some feeling in one of his limbs, sparking concerns at the stadium.

AIS Arena is hosting this week’s pre-season CODE Sports NBL Blitz.

The Sixers were training at the venue ahead of tonight’s game against Tasmania when the structure caved in.

SA product Griscti, in 2024, attracted interest from AFL clubs Adelaide and Port Adelaide, before he signed a three-year deal with the 36ers.

Code Sports has been told Griscti’s family has been notified of the incident.

It’s unclear if the incident will impact the commencement of tonight’s CODE Sports NBL Blitz games between Melbourne United and Brisbane at 5.45pm AEST and the Sixers and JackJumpers at 8.15pm.

The NBL is investigating the incident and will provide an update in due course.

Seems like he is ok. Story has been recently updated.

Ben is ok as per updated articles. In good spirits and only has neck soreness. That is a relief for him and his family. Be interesting to see if the games go ahead. Obviously Ben is ok. The games wouldn't be relevant if he was not. So simply mean from the perspective of damage to the structure.

I would imagine they would likely have back up baskets out back so wouldn't have thought it would impact tonights games.

Glad to hear he's okay and FWIW I thought he looked good in the first game too so hopefully he will contribute more this season.

Good news to him and his family, he looked good the other evening.

Sounds like Ben has pulled up ok and this isn't too major an incident luckily

If it had been would there have been a 36ers and/or NBL and/or Griscti family lawsuit against AIS Arena?

Hopefully everything comes up ok scans wise. Fingers crossed.

From a team point of view, a scare like this can have a sliver lining if the players galvanise.

Sometimes it's helpful for culture for players to get over themselves and focus on the more important things in life/put the every day grind of basketball into perspective.

Code Sports said

"While initially flagging he'd lost feeling in one of his limbs in the moments after the incident, Griscti, once paramedics arrived, was able to stand, move his arms and get on the gurney with assistance." So that sounds like good overall.

Also mentioned DJV and Humphries staying with him on court until he got taken by the ambulance and then Humphries with him in the hospital. Matt Weston stayed overnight as well.

Sixers signed Blake Jones as a IRP, so at least they have another big to bring in if they need to to start the season I guess.

Confirmed fractured vertebrae for Ben. Won't require surgery, but no current timeline for his return.

Poor thing!

Hope he recovers soon - he had a great first game in the Blitz and hopefully being a year older and stronger will help him to have some really good progress when he does return

He looked very good in that first game, looks stronger and trimmer. Injuries are always bad for players at the best times but to be injured by a crashing backboard is super unlucky. Hopefully he has quick and good recovery.

"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 said in a statement on Monday.

“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.”

Exclusive just on 7 News the 36ers are considering legal options against AIS Arena over the Ben Griscti injury.