In 2014, former Baylor Bear Isaiah Austin was a highly ranked prospect. He was 7'1, he had a handle that wasn't expected out of a center, and he was a force on both ends of the floor, averaging 11.2 points and 3.1 blocks per game.

Expected to go in the first round, Austin had a bright NBA future ahead of him. Heartbreakingly, this future never took shape.

Austin was diagnosed with Marfan syndrome, a disorder that can cause enlargement of the aorta, which can cause it to tear. This tear is fatal. Since physical activity increases blood flow, it also increases the chances of a tear.

Because of the medical condition, the NBA barred him from being drafted. Instead of being a first-round draft pick, NBA commissioner Adam Silver made him a ceremonial pick in the 2014 draft.

While this would break the spirit of some, Austin continued his quest to play professional basketball. He has remained in shape, telling Bleacher Reports Leo Sepkowitz:

“I'm in really good shape, which is why it's really hurtful that people won't give me an opportunity. Even after playing these strenuous minutes and working out each day, I've had no regression in health. I'm just getting healthier.”

Austin is currently playing in the Chinese National Basketball League and is taking the league by storm. He is putting up an insane stat line of 35.1 points, 10.3 rebounds, 1.8 blocks and 0.9 steals per game. But most importantly, he is logging heavy minutes without setbacks, averaging 32.6 minutes per game.

Austin's doctor, Dr. David Liang, seems to be wary but receptive of the amount of activity Austin is doing, because he knows that Austin is passionate about basketball and not playing would effect his mental health. Dr. Liang is OK with Austin taking the risk, because:

“What I'm trying to weigh is his physical risk as well as his psychological and emotional risk, this is what I do for a living. When I first met Isaiah, the cost of not playing was, ‘He's going to be happy, able to function and enjoy his life—in which case, alright, just don't play'. As time went on, it became clear to me that if he didn't have a chance to play, it would have left a big wound in him emotionally and psychologically. That's what changed for me.”

Dr. Liang also points out that Austin's case is one of the more minor cases of Marfan syndrome he has seen. Austin's aorta is just one millimeter to large to be considered normal.

Austin has proved that he can still ball and that his condition is manageable. He has shown passion and dedication to playing ball thousands of miles away from his hometown and family. Hopefully, one day the NBA will reverse this decision and give Austin the chance he deserves.