Coming off an impressive showing at the Draft Combine, potential first-round pick Jonathan Jeanne had a lot to be excited about as he saw a big chance of seeing his dream of playing in the NBA happening soon. At 7-foot-2, he has the skills to become an effective big man in the league with his ability to knock down jumpers as well as score near the basket.
However, he received terrible news on Thursday as the results of examinations done on him were released. The report showed that he is suffering from Marfan Syndrome, and could possibly end his playing career. The development was revealed by his agent, Bouna Ndiaye, and was reported in a piece made by Shams Charania of The Vertical.
“French center Jonathan Jeanne, who was expected to be a first-round selection in the 2017 NBA draft, has been diagnosed with Marfan syndrome, a potentially career-ending disorder, agent Bouna Ndiaye told The Vertical.”
“Jeanne underwent an MRI while participating in the Chicago draft combine in May that showed an abnormality in his spine that required follow-up examinations. He completed medical, physical and genetic testing at the Cleveland Clinic and received the results Thursday.”
Marfan Syndrome is a genetic disorder that affects the connective tissues of the body, and has a direct effect on the biggest artery located in the heart, the Aorta. If the 19-year-old French international continued to play without any treatment, it could lead to fatal complications, as there are a number of known diseases that could arise from it.
However, all hope is not lost yet for Jeanne as he hopes to have the same fate as Isaiah Austin, who was also diagnosed with the same syndrome back in 2014, but continued to receive treatment and did not give up on his dream. Late last year, he was cleared to resume basketball activities, and is now playing professional basketball in Serbia.