Boban Jankovic

It was 13 years ago, during a game between Panionios and Panathinaikos in Nea Smirni (Panionios' home court) on the 28 of April 1993. 8 minutes before the end, Boban Jankovic, Panionios' player, drove to the basket guarded by PAO's Fragkiskos Alvertis. The referee charged Boban with an offensive foul after scoring. It was Jankovic's 5th foul and at this point he had to leave the court. Angry with the referee's call, Boban banged his head against the basket's pole! The fans and the TV-viewers were shocked of his reaction, more when they realised that Boban couldn't stand up and was safering from the pain. The hit was strong but what caused the damage was allegedly a screw that was behind the pole's protective cushion. He damaged his spinal cord and as a result he remained paralysed. What a bad luck! Bobans' life was not easy after this accident although his fans and Panions supported him.

On the 30th of November 2005 Panionios awarded him and his shirt with number 8 is hanging is Bobans second home, the Panionios' basketball court.

Boban died yesterday the 29th of June 2006 at the age of 43 from a heart attack on a cruise to Rhodes. Thank you for all the great moments you gave us on the court Boban, a Panathinaikos fan.