Isaiah Austin was a 7’1″ product out of Baylor University heading into the 2014 NBA Draft. He had all the talent in the world and paired with his size, it was almost a certainty that he would be headed to the NBA. Some projected him going as early as a late first round pick headed into the middle of the second round. He was going to be selected but it didn’t work out for him.
He was diagnosed with Marfan syndrome. According to the Marfan foundation, Marfan syndrome is a genetic disorder that affects the body’s connective tissue. Connective tissue holds all the body’s cells, organs, and tissue together. It also plays an important role in helping the body grow and develop properly.
Isaiah Austin wasn’t cleared to play basketball at the time of the draft and his career was ended prematurely. The NBA and commissioner Adam Silver selected him as a draft pick of the NBA during the 2014 draft and he’s been taking part as an ambassador for the league.
Austin had long dreamed about playing on the NBA floor. He often imagined himself playing with his college teammates and even for an NBA team. Now he might get his wish.
It now appears that Austin has been cleared to play and he’s looking to make a return. While an NBA contract might not be in the cards right now, what could be next is a spot on a roster overseas. Maybe even a spot on an NBA D-League roster.
Jared Zwerling, a Senior Multimedia Writer for the NBPA, reported the news on his twitter account.
Congrats to @IsaiahAustin, who had Marfan syndrome & was a special draft pick in '14, for being cleared to play! Overseas team tryouts next.
— Jared Zwerling (@JaredZwerling) November 30, 2016
Then Austin himself followed the news with a message on his Instagram. Welcome back to the floor, Isaiah.
Here’s the full sit down Austin did with photographer, videographer Cassy Athena.
