NBA Draft 2014: Isaiah Austin Basketball Career Over Due To Rare Genetic Disorder! 7-Foot Center Tearfully Bids Farewell To Sports!

Days before the NBA Draft 2014, First round prospect Isaiah Austin from Baylor was diagnosed with a genetic disorder that ends his basketball career!

The report from ESPN: "Former Baylor star Isaiah Austin has been diagnosed with a serious medical condition and will not be able to pursue a career in the NBA, it was announced Sunday."

The 7'1" center was projected to be picked in the first round as there were not too many centers in this year's draft. Another center, Joel Embiid, also had an injury discovered and underwent surgery. Embiid could have gone no. 1.

But this is a much more serious discovery. Austin underwent routine physicals at the Draft combine and his EKG test results showed an abnormality. Further genetic tests led to the diagnosis of Marfan syndrome.

Some details of the disorder: "According to the Marfan Foundation, it is a genetic disorder that affects the connective tissue that holds all the body's cells, organs and tissue together. It also plays an important role in helping the body grow and develop properly. Because connective tissue is found throughout the body, Marfan syndrome can affect many different parts of the body."

One alarming symptom that they found on Austin was enlarged arteries. In his heart-wrenching interview with ESPN, he confided:

"They said I wouldn't be able to play basketball anymore at a competitive level. They found the gene in my blood sample. They told me that my arteries in my heart are enlarged and that if I overwork myself and push too hard that my heart could rupture. The draft is four days away, and I had a dream that my name was going to be called."

Isaiah Austin's very emotional interview with ESPN shows a kid who was devastated when his lifelong dream ended right when it was almost within reach. Watch the video here.

ESPN also warned: "Some athletes have died on the court as a result of Marfan syndrome and associated aortic problems, among them noted Olympic volleyball star, Flo Hyman." The development raised the issue of the NCAA medical examinations and how the disorder went undetected all throughout his first year in college. The question was raised: What if Austin did not declare for the draft and continued to play college ball with his disorder undetected, his life would have been placed in serious peril!

The NCAA should have extensive tests on their athletes, even if they are projected to stay just one year like Austin.