What was set to be an inspiring road-to-the-NBA story about former-Baylor center Isaiah Austin overcoming adversity has now been crushed.

Baylor University announced Sunday the potential first-round pick was diagnosed with Marfan Syndrome — a genetic condition that affects the body's connective tissue and causes aortic enlargement, which is life threatening. He told ESPN, "If I overwork myself or push too hard, my heart could rupture. The draft is four days away and I had a dream my name was going to be called." ​(Via ESPN

Austin ended up committing to Baylor where he became one of the most elite shot blockers in the nation. Speaking with reporters just days before he found out about his condition, he had this to say: (Via YouTube / DraftExpress

About the Author

Featured

U.S. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-LA) listens as House Homeland Security Chairman Mark Green (R-TN) speaks to the media after the House narrowly passed a bill forwarding President Donald Trump's agenda, May 22, 2025 in Washington, D.C.  (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images/TNS)

Credit: TNS