Isaiah Austin, 31, was a great prospect out of Baylor University, but just days before the 2014 NBA Draft, he was diagnosed with Marfan Syndrome.
Marfan syndrome is a genetic disorder that affects the body’s connective tissue, which can weaken the aorta, leading to vision problems, and is often found in taller people, which fits Isaiah’s profile.
Just before a potential NBA draft selection, a doctor found an abnormality in his heart via an EKG.
It was an excellent opportunity for the College player, and he was even projected to be a first-round pick in the NBA Draft. Sadly, his name was eventually dropped, as the NBA has quite strict medical protocols.
Still, the 7’1″ Professional was honoured with a ceremonial draft pick between the 15th and 16th selections by Adam Silver.
Marfan Syndrome Didn’t Stop Isaiah Austin From Playing Professionally
Even though Isaiah had severe health complications, it didn’t stop him from playing internationally.
After he was cleared to play basketball again in November 2016, he started his Pro career at FMP Belgrade in Serbia in 2017. In the same year, he also played for Guangxi Rhinos and Yulon Luxen Dinos.
In 2018, he played for Yulon Luxgen Dinos and again returned to Rhinos. The American signed a contract with Nanjing Monkey in China, where he also had his best game of his career: 34 points, 10 rebounds, and 7 blocks in a CBA game for Nanjing vs. Sichuan on Feb 15, 2019, and transferred to Beirut Club (Lebanon).
In 2020, he chose somewhere closer to his country, i.e., Puerto Rico and Mexico, respectively. He played for Mets de Guaynabo and Panteras de Aguascallientes, respectively.
From the end of 2020 to the start of 2021, he returned to Asia and represented Al Naser Dubai. Again, during the last year of his professional career in 2021, he played for San Carlos (Dominican Republic) and Indios de Mayaguez (Puerto Rico).
After a decent career in basketball, he is now back coaching youngsters. In November 2024, he was unveiled as an Assistant coach for Florida Atlantic University.
FAU also has John Jakus as the head coach, who was a graduate assistant at Baylor during the exact time Austin played there.
Thanks to an experienced set of coaches, FAU has made history by producing another talent, Alijah Martin, who set a record as the first-ever player from FAU to be drafted into the NBA.
He was drafted in the second round and was the 38th overall pick for the Toronto Raptors.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Austin was born in Fresno, California, on October 25, 1993. The coach weighs around 225 pounds.
- He played over 130 professional games and scored around 2000 points before his retirement.
- In China’s NBL, he averaged an eye-popping 34.6 points per game over 16 games.
