Isaiah Austin, NBA draft prospect, has career-ending genetic disorder

Isaiah Austin's basketball career is finished. The former Baylor center who declared for the 2014 NBA draft has Marfan syndrome, a genetic disorder that affects about one in 5,000 people.

Austin was diagnosed during genetic testing in preparation for the draft, where he was expected to be a second-round pick. Marfan syndrome is an inherited disorder that commonly affects the heart, eyes, circulatory system and skeleton, according to the Mayo Clinic's website.

"The draft is four days away, and I had a dream that my name was going to be called," Austin said via Baylor men's basketball's official Twitter account. "I'm sorry (my supporters) couldn't see me play in the NBA. But it's not the end. It's only the beginning."

Austin was measured out as 7-0½ and 220 pounds at the draft scouting combine in Chicago. He also had the longest wingspan of any prospect there, at 7-4½. He revealed last season, as a sophomore at Baylor, that he is blind in his right eye as a result of a detached retina.

"People with Marfan syndrome are usually tall and thin with disproportionately long arms, legs, fingers and toes," the Mayo Clinic website says. "The damage caused by Marfan syndrome can be mild or severe. If your heart or blood vessels are affected, the condition can become life-threatening."

The Mayo Clinic website also says Marfan syndrome increases the likelihood of retinal detachment.

Austin averaged 12.1 points, 6.9 rebounds and 2.4 blocks in 28.9 minutes in 73 career games with Baylor. The Bears reached the Sweet 16 in March as a No. 6 seed before losing to No. 2 seed Wisconsin. Austin had 12 points, five rebounds and two blocks in that 69-52 loss, which is expected to be his final high-level basketball game.

"This is devastating news, but Isaiah has the best support system anyone could ask for, and he knows that all of Baylor Nation is behind him," Baylor coach Scott Drew said in a news release from the university. "His health is the most important thing, and while it's extremely sad that he won't be able to play in the NBA, our hope is that he'll return to Baylor to complete his degree and serve as a coach in our program."