With all the fanfare of the NBA Draft going on today, including ‘Straya’s own Dante Exum getting snapped up by the Utah Jazz at pick number 5, sometimes a little perspective is required in order to remind everyone in the room at the draft, watching at home, following along on the internet, or those with even the barest passing interest in the sport that there are more important things than basketball.
The NBA did just that, with freshly installed league commissioner Adam Silver pausing the official draft proceedings temporarily to acknowledge a special guest.
Isaiah Austin is a college basketball player – currently at Baylor University in Waco, Texas – widely regarded as one of the top handful of college centres in this year’s draft class. However, following routine medical testing conducted on every potential player prior to the draft, it was discovered that Austin suffered from a genetic condition known as Marfan Syndrome.
Marfan Syndrome is a disorder that affects the connective tissue of the body that potentially causes complications for a number of vital bodily functions, most serious of which is the cardiovascular system. This diagnosis suddenly, and permanently, ended Austin’s sporting career.
In a symbolic move, and in acknowledgement of the years of hard work Austin had put in, only to be cruelly cut down at the very final hurdle, Adam Silver drafted Austin on behalf of the NBA, in a moving and extremely classy moment.
Austin’s association with the sport is not over for good, however, as he’ll reportedly be returning to Baylor to complete his college education, and to take up a position on the school’s basketball coaching team.
Photo: Mike Stobe via Getty Images.
