Serbian forward Borisa Simanic will miss the rest of the FIBA World Cup after undergoing surgery to remove his injured kidney. The injury occurred in the last minutes of Serbia’s 115-83 win over South Sudan. Simanic, defending under the basket, was hit with an elbow by Nuni Omot of South Sudan as he tried to create space to score. Simanic immediately grabbed his midsection in pain. He was taken to the hospital after the game and had emergency surgery. However, complications arose, and he needed to have a second surgery to fully remove the kidney. Simanic will remain in a hospital in the Philippines for recovery.
The Serbian Basketball Federation announced the details of Simanic’s surgery, stating, “Due to complications on the injured kidney that occurred in the postoperative course, Boriša Simanić was operated on again on September 3. Due to changes in the vitality of the kidney tissue, the entire kidney had to be surgically removed. We expect and wish that after this operation, the postoperative course will go smoothly.”
In response to the incident, Omot expressed his apologies and stated that he did not intend to make a dirty play. He offered his prayers and wishes for Simanic’s speedy recovery and emphasized that he is not a dirty player.
Serbia advanced to the quarterfinals of the FIBA World Cup with a 4-1 record in group play. They will face Lithuania, who just upset Team USA, in the quarterfinals on Tuesday.
