Isaiah Austin’s NBA Dreams Are Over, Player Has Marfan Syndrome

Isaiah Austin, 20, was expected to be a second-round pick in the NBA draft, but his dreams of playing in the NBA have ended. Before the draft, Austin underwent genetic testing and results showed that ...
Isaiah Austin’s NBA Dreams Are Over, Player Has Marfan Syndrome
Written by Val Powell
  • Isaiah Austin, 20, was expected to be a second-round pick in the NBA draft, but his dreams of playing in the NBA have ended.

    Before the draft, Austin underwent genetic testing and results showed that he is suffering from Marfan syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that affects one in 5,000 people. The disorder is inherited and it affects the eyes, skeleton, heart, and circulatory system. People with Marfan syndrome are also described as tall and thin, like Austin’s physique.

    On Sunday, the 7’1” player announced that he will not be able to play basketball anymore because of his condition.

    “The draft is four days away, and I had a dream that my name was going to be called.” He turned to Twitter to apologize to his fans. “I’m sorry (my supporters) couldn’t see me play in the NBA. But it’s not the end. It’s only the beginning,” he said.

    Austin has already proved that he is a qualified player. He has almost no vision in his right eye, due to a detached retina. However, he still performed well on court while playing for Baylor. In the past season, he averaged 12.1 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks in 28.9 minutes.

    Baylor coach Scott Drew was devastated by the news, but said that Austin has the best support system that he needs at this time. “His health is the most important thing, and while it’s extremely sad that he won’t be able to play in the NBA, our hope is that he’ll return to Baylor to complete his degree and serve as a coach in our program,” he said.

    Austin also thanked everyone who gave him support through his ordeal. “I would love to thank EVERYONE who has reached out to me. Toughest days of my life. But not the last! Life goes on. GOD IS STILL GREAT!” he wrote on Twitter.

    Austin will now focus on his health.

    Image via YouTube

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