There has been some great and heart-warming news in what was a sad saga for former blue chip prospect, Baylor Bear and NBA hopeful Isaiah Austin. The 7’1″ 23-year-old has been cleared by doctors to pursue a professional basketball career, just over two years after being told that dream could never be a reality.
Isaiah Austin, who was diagnosed with Marfan Syndrome, says he has been cleared by doctors to play. Just awesome. Congrats ???? pic.twitter.com/lAKHDplZoK
— Athlete Advisory™ (@AthleteAdvisory) December 1, 2016
He was diagnosed with Marfan Syndrome on June 22, 2014. The disease is a rare disorder that affects the connective tissue in the body. It basically means that the arteries in the heart are enlarged which would lead to the heart overworking and rupturing during highly intensive cardio activities such as professional basketball. Austin is also blind in his right eye and kept that from teammates until his Sophomore season at Baylor.
But on Tuesday, Austin was cleared by doctors to resume basketball related activities.
Here is Austin reacting to the incredible news…
Thank you for all of the love. I take no credit to this comeback, I give it all to GOD without HIS grace and glory I am nothing. #DreamAgain
— Isaiah Austin (@IsaiahAustin) December 1, 2016
Crying real tears because I never thought this would be possible. But God made it possible! HE is real! I'm ready to share my full testimony
— Isaiah Austin (@IsaiahAustin) December 1, 2016
Austin has a long way back to try and make his dream to be an NBA player come true, but at 7’1″ with decent mobility, shot-blocking ability and a nice shooting stroke, there is no reason that he won’t draw interest from NBA teams in the near future as seemingly a big man who is built for the current NBA game.
He averaged 12.1 points, 6.9 rebounds and 2.4 blocks per game in two seasons at Baylor after being the No.3 player in the 2012 high school class according to ESPN’s recruiting service.
Here’s to hoping Austin gets a chance to prove his ability to succeed in the NBA.
