Shocking scenes in the basketball Bundesliga.
After a deficit of 18 points, FC Bayern turned the game against the Hamburg Towers at half-time (28:46), winning 86:75. But the game and the result quickly became secondary.
Because in the second quarter there is a bad injury. Bayern’s Nick Weiler-Babb (26) slipped his fingers on the ring during a dunking attempt and then hit his head from a height of around three meters on the floor of the Audi Dome.
The American remains unconscious. Paramedics and doctors rush over to treat him. His teammates shield Weiler-Babb with blankets while the helpers treat him for minutes. Anxious minutes on and off the field, finally he is transported away.
Bayern’s sports director Daniele Baiesi (46) was taken away at half-time by MagentaSport: “He was taken to the hospital and is being examined there. But he can move.”
After the game, managing director Marko Pesic (45) gives an update: “When he was taken away, he was conscious. He can move anything. He fell on his cheekbone. Let’s all cross our fingers that he was lucky in his misfortune and it’s just a concussion. We pray Nick didn’t suffer anything worse.”
Opponent Caleb Homesley (25) was also shocked by the scenes: “It’s tough. On the one hand for the other team because he is a good player. But most of all, it’s bad as a person. We’re all human off the court too. We have families.”
Late in the evening there was a slight all-clear from the hospital: According to the club, the first examinations did not reveal any fractures in the head area, but “only” a severe concussion for the time being.
Trainer Andrea Trinchieri (53): “We are very worried, but the first news from the hospital are okay – not good, but okay.”
After the horror crash, Bayern completely lost the role, but they fought back and ended up turning this emotional game. “The players showed a sensational reaction, that was a great performance,” said Pesic.
Paul Zipser (28) made a 15-second comeback: After a brain operation in the summer, he feared for his life, the 2.03-meter giant fought his way through rehab for a long time, and now the national player is back. Pesic: “These 15 seconds feel like 150 minutes. He is a role model for all of us.”
Best thrower at Bayern: Augustine Rubit with 16 points. Outstanding at the Towers: Homesley with 27 points.
