Isaiah Austin was a 7’1” center for Baylor’s basketball team who’d scored and blocked enough shots to potentially earn a 1st round draft pick for himself in the upcoming NBA Draft.
A few days before the draft was supposed to happen some routine blood work ended his NBA dream.
Marfan Syndrome is a connective tissue disorder that can affect everything from the eyes and heart valves to the spine. As part of being positive for this condition Austin cannot compete in the NBA as it may cause his body irreparable harm and maybe even kill him.
“The draft is four days away, and I had a dream that my name was going to be called,” said Austin via Baylor men’s basketball’s official Twitter account. “I’m sorry (my supporters) couldn’t see me play in the NBA. But it’s not the end. It’s only the beginning.”
Getting this news is one thing. Getting it just before your dream is about to take flight is another. ESPN’s Holly Rowe talked to Austin about how he was coping with the news.
College coach Scott Drew spoke about his former player n a press release:
“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,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.”
SOURCE: TheUrbanDaily.com
Article Courtesy of The Urban Daily
Picture and Video Courtesy of ESPN, YouTube and The Urban Daily
