Isaiah Austin Chosen As Special Pick In NBA Draft

If you watched the NBA draft Thursday night, then you are aware of the emotional tribute to Isaiah Austin. Isaiah Austin is a 20-year-old NBA draft prospect who received news that he would never be able to play in the NBA due to Marfan Syndrome just days before the NBA draft.

Marfan Syndrome affects the body’s connective tissue and can weaken the aorta. Isaiah Austin was expected to be a second round pick. However, Thursday night at the NBA draft, NBA commissioner Adam Silver honored Isaiah Austin with a ceremonial pick.

Austin said before his diagnosis that he dreamed of NBA commissioner Adam Silver reading out his name on draft day. Despite Austin’s condition, his dream still came true thanks to Adam Silver.

Silver said in statement between the 15th and 16th picks:

“I want to take a moment to recognize Baylor Center Isaiah Austin. You may have heard about Isaiah. He is one of the nation’s best collegiate players, and he was expected to be picked tonight before the discovery just a few days ago that he had a genetic disorder called Marfan Syndrome and is no longer able to play competitive basketball.”

Silver continued:

“Like the other young men here tonight, Isaiah committed himself through endless hard work and endless dedication to a potential career as a professional basketball player, and he wanted to make sure he fulfilled at this part of his dream. So it gives me pleasure to say, that with the next pick in the 2014 NBA draft, the NBA selects Isaiah Austin from Baylor University.”

After what Adam Silver said about Isaiah, Isaiah hugged his relatives. He then wiped the tears off his face before walking on to the stage while the crowd stood and cheered for him. When he walked on to the stage, he shook Adam Silver’s hand. Silver then put a hat with the NBA logo on Isaiah to represent the NBA drafting him themselves.

In an Interview with ESPN, Isaiah said:

“It’s one of the biggest blessings of my life, I’ve worked so hard to get to this point and unfortunately it was taken away, but when God closes one door, he opens another for you.”

Isaiah Austin, a 7-foot-1 basketball player who averaged 12.1 points and 6.9 rebounds, announced that he had planned to leave Baylor after his sophomore season. However, due to his health issues, his coach told him he can’t play basketball anymore. Hopefully, all this will make Isaiah Austin a stronger person and will motivate himself to return to school to get a degree.

[Image via Bing]