Isaiah Austin daring to ‘Dream Again’ following Marfan diagnosis

In mid June — just days before he was to have been picked in the 2014 NBA draft — Baylor men’s basketball standout Isaiah Austin was diagnosed with Marfan Syndrome, effectively ending his athletic career. But keeping in mind the verse from 2 Corinthians tattooed on his arm — “For we walk by faith and not by sight” — Austin has not let that potentially devastating news stop him.

Austin now has a new dream — a dream that, in a sweet twist of life, came to be because of his hardship. The Baylor junior has become the spokesperson for the Marfan Foundation, and (with the help of head coach Scott Drew and fellow Bear Robert Griffin III) has founded the Isaiah Austin Foundation to promote Marfan awareness, encouraging those with the syndrome to “Dream Again.”

[READ: Sports Illustrated: “Isaiah Austin daring to dream again after NBA hopes dashed” || Boston Globe: “Isaiah Austin embraces new path“]

In August, Austin returned to Baylor to finish his degree, even serving as grand marshal in this year’s Baylor Homecoming parade. And much to Drew’s delight, Austin will remain around the men’s basketball program as a student assistant. He’s also become a favorite of the NBA, having made an appearance in a preseason commercial for the league, and he reportedly has a standing job offer from NBA Commissioner Adam Silver once he graduates from Baylor. The Boston Celtics honored Austin before their season opener; not coincidentally, that became “Baylor Night at the Celtics,” as area alumni attended the game (pictured above) and even got to meet with Austin before tip-off.

It’s clear that Austin has not let Marfan Syndrome get the best of him. He recently posted this to his Facebook page — lyrics to a song his high school basketball coach’s father sang when Austin learned he had the syndrome — showing once again that, through everything, he plans to trust in God.

Sic ’em, Isaiah!

[Baylor men’s and women’s basketball tip off the 2014-15 season tonight with a doubleheader at the Ferrell Center. The No. 8-ranked women host Oral Roberts at 6 p.m., followed by the men vs. McNeese State at 8:30. Season tickets for the Bears and Lady Bears are available now.]