Isaiah Austin's Career Cut Short
A bit of sad news in the world of college basketball today as it’s been announced that Baylor’s Isaiah Austin basketball career is over after being diagnosed with Marfan Syndrome. Earlier this season the former number one player in his class revealed he was blind in his right eye after being hit by a baseball at the age of twelve. Despite the handicap Austin overcame and was projected to be a second round pick in this week’s draft. From Baylor’s official release:
Former Baylor center Isaiah Austin has been diagnosed with a career-ending medical condition. Genetic testing as part of preparation for the 2014 NBA Draft revealed that Austin suffers from Marfan syndrome.
“This is devastating news, but Isaiah has the best support system anyone could ask for, and he knows that all of Baylor Nation is behind him,” head coach Scott Drew said. “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.”
Marfan syndrome is caused by a genetic mutation that leads to problems in connective tissues throughout the body. One feature of Marfan syndrome is aortic enlargement, which can be life-threatening. According to The Marfan Foundation, about one in 5,000 people have Marfan syndrome. For more information, visit www.marfan.org.
He was expected to be the first to ever play in the NBA while partially blind.
[Isaiah Austin Diagnosed with Career-Ending Condition]
Austin made for a great Kentucky opponent the past two seasons as he took on both Nerlens Noel and Willie Cauley-Stein in Baylor wins. Austin averaged 12 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 blocks against the Cats and it sad to see a guy who had overcome one setback to be dealt yet another. Austin seems to have a great attitude about the situation as demonstrated by these tweets:
Words can’t explain how thankful I am for the time I had to play this wonderful sport. It changed my life forever. #NewBeginnings
– God’s Child (@IsaiahAustin) June 22, 2014
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! ðŸ™ðŸ™Œ
– God’s Child (@IsaiahAustin) June 22, 2014
Nothing but good luck to Isaiah Austin as he heads into the next chapter of his life.
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