Still reeling from Gyor tragedy and supporting Natasa Kovacevic

NEWCASTLE (Paul Nilsen's Women's Basketball Worldwide) - Waking up on Sunday morning was an unpleasant experience and especially that gut-wrenching moment when I realised it wasn't a nightmare, but the Uni Gyor tragedy had actually happened.

I can't even begin to imagine the pain and anguish experienced by those who had to contend with the reality of losing their father, son, brother, dear friend or respected colleague in the indescribably horrific road accident last Saturday.

It was meant to be an ordinary game day for Uni Gyor, en-route to fellow EuroLeague Women side Sopron for a pre-season match-up. Instead, it turned out to be a tragic day as head coach Akos Fuzy and general manager Peter Tapodi lost their lives, whilst team masseur Burdi Szabolcs continues fighting for his in hospital.

Our thoughts and prayers continue in respect of the trio.

Messages of support and condolences have been flooding social media from around the globe and not just from the basketball world. However, it has naturally hit the women's basketball family particularly hard. It's a close-knit community and everybody is still in a state of complete shock.

I am sure governing bodies, federations and the Hungarian authorities will continue ensuring those affected by the tragedy have all the support they need to get through this indescribably dark and difficult time. This is what truly matters.

Also heart-breaking is the case of young Serbian talent Natasa Kovacevic, who sustained a life-changing injury after having to have her leg amputated.

The teenager is one of my favourite players and someone I have watched intently during her youth career and kept in touch with regularly. I watched her play two youth tournaments last summer and then another again this year at the FIBA U19 World Championship for Women in Lithuania.

I was looking forward to talking to her about being a future senior player for her country and also about what was going to be her debut club season outside of her homeland and a landmark first campaign in EuroLeague Women. I know she was looking forward to it so very much.

Now her world has been turned upside down, but I am sure she will draw on all of the spirit, mental toughness and qualities she has shown on the court as a leader for Serbia, to help her on the road to recovery.

I hope we all get the chance (in whatever way possible) to support Natasa in getting her life back on track. However, I think naming a youth award after her which has been suggested by some, perhaps sets the wrong tone.

After all, she is thankfully still here with us and will hopefully benefit greatly from the amazing advancements in medical and post-surgery technology, meaning she could still possibly give something to the sport.

She's a great kid, clearly understands and loves the game, speaks good English and so I would hope that in the fullness of time and when she is ready, she is offered employment within the women's game, whether it is by the Serbian Federation, a club team, FIBA or FIBA Europe.

It would be super to keep her involved. Not out of pity or charity, but because from my own dealings with her, I am absolutely sure she would be an asset - if of course (after recovering fully) that is what she would ultimately like to do.

For we can all make suggestions, but it is now all about Natasa and her family.

Whatever happens, it's a no-brainer that women's basketball must show Natasa just how much it cares and how much we love her.

Paul Nilsen

FIBA

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