MIAMI — A Serbian national basketball player who suffered a serious injury at last year’s Basketball World Cup has made a successful return to the court, significantly contributing to his team’s qualification for the EuroBasket tournament next year.

Borisa Simanic took to the court for the first time since losing a kidney during last year’s championship, scoring 12 points in Serbia’s commanding 98-51 victory against Denmark in Belgrade. This match held special significance for him, marking his first game in front of fans in Serbia since the incident took place in the Philippines.

The recent triumph secured Serbia’s place in the European championships, making them the sixth team confirmed to compete alongside Lithuania and four host nations: Latvia, Finland, Cyprus, and Poland. There are still 18 places available in the tournament, which will feature 24 teams in total.

Simanic’s injury occurred during a September 2023 game against South Sudan, where he experienced severe blood loss that ultimately led to the removal of his kidney after surgery and complications were discovered.

Nikola Jovic, a forward with the Miami Heat and a fellow Serbian national teammate, expressed his joy at Simanic’s return. “I’m really glad to see him back on the court,” said Jovic. “He is someone I looked up to while growing up and later had the chance to play alongside. The bond we share feels like family. Witnessing what he went through during the World Cup was incredibly difficult.”

Prior to the match against Denmark, Simanic had scored three points in a previous qualifier. His appearance in Sunday’s game was particularly poignant as it was his first with the national team after the traumatic experience.

Reflecting on his recovery, Simanic confessed, “When the injury occurred, I didn’t anticipate returning to play this quickly. In fact, I wasn’t even sure if I would play again at all.”

Jovic remarked that he had trained with Simanic throughout the summer, emphasizing that he never doubted his teammate’s ability to recover. Simanic has also continued to compete professionally in the Adriatic League this season.

“I’m thrilled to see him back in action,” Jovic added. “What he’s gone through is truly remarkable, and his journey is an incredible story. Not many can achieve what he has.”