The NBA honored Baylor center Isaiah Austin by drafting him during last night’s 2014 NBA Draft.
The 7’1″ player was anticipated to be selected during the second round of this year’s draft, but Austin was recently diagnosed with Marfan syndrome, a rare genetic disease.
Rare genetic disorder ends NBA Draft prospect’s career
The diagnosis, which came earlier this week, has ended Austin’s basketball career, taking with it any hope of playing in the NBA.
Marfan syndrome affects the body’s connective tissues, creating the possibility that Austin’s heart could rupture if he pushed too hard.
According to the Houston Chronicle’s Jenny Dial Creech, Austin may no longer be able to play, but he has been offered a couple job positions.
Baylor has offered Isaiah Austin a coaching job and Adam Silver has offered him a job with the NBA after he earns his degree.
— Jenny Dial Creech (@jennydialcreech) June 27, 2014
Watch the touching moment above as NBA Commissioner Adam Silver and the NBA draft Austin during the first round.
Follow Carrie Healey on Twitter @CarrieHeals.