Isaiah Austin, a star basketball player at Baylor University, was destined to be a top NBA draft pick last month. Sadly, however, just before the draft, Austin discovered he had Marfan Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that can be fatal in extreme cases. Since he can no longer compete, NBA Commissioner instead has offered him a job with the NBA. He plans to stay in school and finish his degree, after which he will join the league in some capacity until he is ready to take on a full-time position.
Austin was understandably disappointed to have his lifelong dream snatched from him, but he is glad to still get the chance to be involved with the league (via ESPN):
"Adam Silver really wants me to be a part of the organization, and I'm thankful for the opportunity that he's giving me... Right now he's going to have me do a little stuff with NBA Cares, just off-and-on right now until I get a full job."
Austin possesses a strength and poise uncommon for a man his age. The news of his condition, while difficult to accept, has challenged him to muster the courage to keep going. To keep living.
While Austin is unable to play competitive basketball he now has a responsibility and a platform to educate and assist people about the disease who may have fewer resources (via People.com):
"'To have all this dropped on me at the age of 20, five days before the draft, is something really tough that not a lot of people can deal with. But I feel like because of this situation I owe it to people around the world to help spread the awareness of it so more people find out about it.'"
Watch these videos of Austin below (via CBS Sports):
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