Isaiah Austin
| Personal information | |
|---|---|
| Born | October 25, 1993 Fresno, California |
| Nationality | American |
| Listed height | 7 ft 1 in (2.16 m) |
| Listed weight | 225 lb (102 kg) |
| Career information | |
| High school | Grace Preparatory Academy (Arlington, Texas) |
| College | Baylor (2012–2014) |
| Position | Center |
| Career highlights and awards | |
Isaiah Charles Austin (born October 25, 1993) is an American basketball player who 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.[1]
High school career
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.[2]
College career
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.[3] 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.[2][4]
In April 2013, Austin declared for the 2013 NBA draft, but later returned to Baylor due to a shoulder injury.[5]
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.[4]
On April 22, 2014, Austin declared for the 2014 NBA draft, forgoing his final two years of college eligibility.[6]
Professional career
Marfan syndrome diagnosis
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.[7] 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.[8]
On June 26, 2014, between the 15th and 16th picks of the 2014 NBA draft, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver made Austin a ceremonial pick, which fulfilled his dream of getting drafted. The crowd gave him a standing ovation as he walked up to the podium. He was offered a job in the NBA by Adam Silver, with the stipulation that he finishes his degree at Baylor University.[9]
Return to basketball
On November 30, 2016, Austin was medically cleared to play basketball and began considering offers from overseas.[10][11]
Personal life
Austin is blind in his right eye from a spontaneous retinal detachment that occurred during middle school. He had kept the visual loss a secret, known only to his teammates and close friends until January 17, 2014.[12][13]
On December 16, 2014, Austin was put into 2K Sports' NBA 2K15 as a free agent.[14]
References
- ^ NBA makes Austin’s dreams come true with gesture at draft
- ^ a b "Isaiah Austin Bio". BaylorBears.com. Retrieved June 28, 2013.
- ^ Pierre Jackson lifts Baylor past Iowa, to first NIT crown
- ^ a b Isaiah Austin Stats
- ^ King, Jason (April 30, 2013). "Injury sways Baylor's Austin to return". ESPN.com. Retrieved June 28, 2013.
- ^ Baylor's Isaiah Austin declares for NBA draft
- ^ "Isaiah Austin has Marfan syndrome". ESPN.com. June 22, 2014. Retrieved June 22, 2014.
- ^ Rovell, Darren (June 23, 2014). "Isaiah Austin has $1M 'elite' policy". ESPN.com. Retrieved June 24, 2014.
- ^ Fitzgerald, Matt (July 22, 2014). "Isaiah Austin Offered Job with NBA After Health Condition Ended Career". BleacherReport.com. Retrieved July 23, 2014.
- ^ "Former Baylor Big Man Isaiah Austin Cleared to Play Basketball Again". zagsblog.com. November 30, 2016. Retrieved November 30, 2016.
- ^ "Exclusive interview with Isaiah Austin – finally cleared to play basketball!". cassyathena.com. November 30, 2016. Retrieved November 30, 2016.
- ^ Zucker, Joseph (January 18, 2014). "Isaiah Austin's Comeback Makes Him One of Most Compelling Players in Country". BleacherReport.com. Retrieved February 7, 2014.
- ^ "No Excuses". vimeo.com. Retrieved November 30, 2016.
- ^ You can now play as Isaiah Austin in NBA 2K15
External links
- Isaiah Austin at baylorbears.com
- Isaiah Austin at draftexpress.com
- Isaiah Austin at espn.com
- Isaiah Austin on Facebook
- Isaiah Austin on Twitter
