Isaiah Austin
Isaiah AustinIsaiah Charles Austin (born October 25, 1993) is an American professional basketball player for FMP of the ABA League and the Basketball League of Serbia. He played two years of college basketball for Baylor University. He had been considered a first-round prospect in the 2014 NBA draft until he was diagnosed with Marfan syndrome. In 2016, he was cleared to continue playing basketball after a two-year stint away from the game due to Marfan syndrome.
Austin attended Grace Preparatory Academy in Arlington, Texas. As a senior in 2011–12, he averaged 15 points, 11 rebounds and five blocks per game, earning back-to-back Fort Worth Star-Telegram Super Team Player of the Year honors. Austin participated in the 2012 McDonald's All-American Game, 2012 Adidas Nations and the 2012 Jordan Brand Classic. He was named to the ESPNHS All-American Elite second team and was the nation's no. 3 recruit according to ESPN.
As a freshman at Baylor in 2012–13, Austin earned third-team All-Big 12 and Big 12 All-Rookie Team honors. On April 4, 2013, he recorded 15 points, nine rebounds, five blocks, four assists and two steals in the NIT championship game in which Baylor defeated Iowa 74–54. In 35 games (all starts), he averaged 13.0 points, 8.3 rebounds, 1.1 assists and 1.7 blocks in 29.9 minutes per game.
In April 2013, Austin declared for the 2013 NBA draft, but later returned to Baylor due to a shoulder injury.
As a sophomore in 2013–14, Austin earned Big 12 All-Defensive Team honors. In 38 games, he averaged 11.2 points, 5.5 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 3.1 blocks in 28.0 minutes per game.
On April 22, 2014, Austin declared for the 2014 NBA draft, forgoing his final two years of college eligibility.
On June 22, 2014, Austin learned that he had been diagnosed with Marfan syndrome, a genetic disorder that affects the body's connective tissue. In an emotional interview with ESPN's Holly Rowe, Austin said that he could no longer play basketball at a competitive level since the arteries in his heart were abnormally large, and there was too much risk of his heart rupturing if he continued to play. In response, NBA commissioner Adam Silver invited Austin to attend the draft as his guest. Shortly after Austin's diagnosis was made public, his agent revealed that Austin had taken out an insurance policy against career-ending disability through a special NCAA program, which was worth at least $1 million. The policy would not have paid out if Austin's career ended due to his eyesight or his shoulder, but was expected to pay out due to his Marfan diagnosis.
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