National Basketball Association

Isaiah Austin cleared to play 2 years after Marfan diagnosis

Updated Mar. 5, 2020 12:42 a.m. ET

foxsports

WACO, Texas (AP) Former Baylor standout Isaiah Austin has been cleared to play basketball again, 2 1/2 years after he was diagnosed with Marfan syndrome during a physical before the NBA draft.

Austin revealed on his Instagram account this week that his doctor has given him the go-ahead to again pursue his dream of playing professional basketball. The 7-foot-1 player said he has been getting constant checkups, including heart monitoring, since the diagnosis before the 2014 draft when he was a potential first-round draft pick.

Marfan syndrome is a genetic disorder that affects the body's connective tissue. The 23-year-old Austin said he is moving forward ''with pure joy'' to chase his dream.