By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
Isaiah Austin will have the chance to start his professional basketball career after signing his first pro contract with FMP Belgrade, as he confirmed on Facebook.
Austin played two years of college basketball for Baylor University. He had been considered a first-round prospect in the 2014 NBA draft until he was diagnosed with Marfan syndrome. In 2016, he was cleared to continue playing basketball after a two-year stint away from the game due to Marfan syndrome.
Marfan syndrome is a genetic disorder that affects the body’s connective tissue. In an emotional interview with ESPN’s Holly Rowe, Austin said that he could no longer play basketball at a competitive level since the arteries in his heart were abnormally large, and there was too much risk of his heart rupturing if he continued to play. In response, NBA commissioner Adam Silver invited Austin to attend the draft as his guest.