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By Ryan Beltran
 Austin with the Philippines national team in 2017 (via the Manila Bulletin).
After two years at Baylor, Isaiah Austin declared for the 2014 NBA draft. Sadly, days before his dreams could come true, he was diagnosed with Marfan Syndrome, a genetic disorder that affects the body’s connective tissue. He was told by a doctor that his disorder would not allow him to be able to pursue his dream of playing professional basketball, and unfortunately he had to drop out of the NBA draft.
Two years later, he was luckily cleared to play basketball again. He signed his first professional contract with Serbian club KK FMP Beograd. In 12 KLS (Serbian League) games, he averaged 7.6 points and 3.9 rebounds a game. In 2017 Austin would play in the Adriatic League with FMP and play with two teams in China (Guangxi Rhinos and Yulon Luxgen Dinos). Also, in September 2017, he participated for the Philippines national team at the 2017 FIBA Asia Champions Cup. The team finished the tournament in fifth place and Austin recorded 37 points, 15 rebounds, six assists and six blocks in the final game of the tournament. Austin is still 24 years old and looks to be continuing his basketball career. He last signed for Lebanese club Champville SC on January 20, 2018. It is unclear if he can ever make or get a chance at an NBA team, but being able to play basketball professionally must be something he can be very proud of. |
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