Serbian National Team forward Boriša Simanić had surgery to remove a kidney after taking an elbow to the midsection during a FIBA World Cup game, the Serbian Federation said Monday, per ESPN.
The injury occurred at the end of Serbia’s 115–83 win over South Sudan in the Philippines on Wednesday. Simanić was elbowed by Nuni Omot and was seen in serious pain immediately afterward. He was taken to the hospital and had emergency surgery that night.
Serbian coach Svetislav Pešić later said there were complications, however, as there was an issue finding Simanić’s blood type. Several of his teammates offered to give blood, but he ultimately underwent a second operation and had his kidney removed. He is expected to remain in a Manila hospital for some time in order to recover.
Without Simanić, Serbia went on to lose to Italy on Friday but beat the Dominican Republic on Sunday in dominant fashion. The team followed it up with a 87–68 win against undefeated Lithuania on Tuesday to reach the semifinals. After the win, the team’s center, Nikola Milutinov, said Simanić texted the team for the first time and it served as motivation for the squad after he gave a positive update on his health.
Nikola Milutinov says Serbia drew inspiration from injured teammate Borisa Simanic as it reaches the FIBA World Cup semis with an 87-68 win over erstwhile unbeaten Lithuania.
— Rappler Sports (@RapplerSports) September 5, 2023
Simanic needed to have his kidney removed following an elbow hit back in the group stage.#FIBAWC pic.twitter.com/5BqvyaJQmc
“It gave us, really, strength,” he said. “It gave us some boost. Everyone was feeling so excited and so happy for him. It’s a really good day for us.”
