The journey has been long and grueling, but Isaiah Austin has officially made it to the NBA — the ex-college hoops star has received a fellowship to work for the league’s front office this season!!
Remember, Austin was a talented center coming out of Baylor and was projected to be a first-round pick in the 2014 NBA Draft … until his medical reports showed an underlying condition of Marfan Syndrome, which affects the connective tissue in the body.
At the time, this would put a halt to his league aspirations … but the NBA showed love by giving him an honorary draft pick.
After 2 years away from the game, another medical evaluation allowed Austin to play professionally overseas in Taiwan, China, Serbia, Puerto Rico and Lebanon. He even scored the opening point of the 2021 BIG3 season.
Now, Austin is happy to move on from his playing career and start his life off the basketball court in retirement.
Seven years after being ruled ineligible to play in NBA due to Marfan syndrome, ex-Baylor star Isaiah Austin sits down with @Stadium to share he will fulfill his dream by joining the NBA soon – in a league office role: pic.twitter.com/BisBo4Ctyi
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) September 24, 2021
@ShamsCharania
“Here I am, in year five, and I’m ready for the next stage of my life,” Austin told Shams Charania.
Austin says he’s out to prove he’s willing to start from the ground-up and earn a living by learning the ropes in each department the league has to offer.
Austin’s fellowship will start October 4 and last a full year … and he’ll be looking to work with an official team by next season.
Congrats to Isaiah!!