NBA player Nikola Topić diagnosed with cancer: doctors give positive prognosis

According to glavcom.ua: The general manager of the National Basketball Association (NBA) team 'Oklahoma', Sam Presti, announced that Serbian player Nikola Topić has been diagnosed with testicular cancer. Doctors have already started chemotherapy, but there is currently no exact timeline for his return to the court.

Topić, who is only 20 years old, was selected in the 2024 NBA draft at number 12 by 'Oklahoma'. This season he missed due to a cruciate ligament injury, but despite this, he became an NBA champion without playing a single game.

'This is primarily a team of people, and then basketball players. People go through different stages in their lives and careers. He is truly a special guy. I think every one of his teammates would confirm that. He is more maturely prepared than anyone I know at his age to look at things and approach them with the right mindset. I think he will manage,' said Presti.

In other news, the men's basketball team of Ukraine won the pre-qualification for the 2027 World Championship, defeating Slovakia 98:86. This is already the second victory for the Ukrainians in Group D, which allows them to improve their tournament position at this stage of the competition.

The Ukrainian team has shown impressive results in the pre-qualification for the 2027 World Championship, securing another victory and solidifying their position in Group D. Meanwhile, the news about Nikola Topić's serious illness has shocked basketball fans, prompting them to support and wish a speedy recovery for the player. This serves as a reminder of the importance of supporting athletes not only on the court but also in difficult life situations.