Rare genetic disorder ends NBA Draft prospect’s career

WACO, Texas (AP) — Baylor center Isaiah Austin has been forced to end his basketball career after being diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder.

Austin was found to have Marfan syndrome, a disorder that affects the body’s connective tissue.

Baylor coach Scott Drew said Sunday in a news release that the discovery means Austin will not be able to play in the NBA.

The 7-foot-1 Austin averaged 12.1 points and 6.9 rebounds in two seasons before announcing in April that he was leaving Baylor to declare for the NBA draft, which is Thursday.

According to the Mayo Clinic, complications from Marfan syndrome can weaken the aorta, the artery that supplies blood from the heart to the rest of the body.

Drew says he hopes Austin will return to school and finish his degree.