BOCA RATON, Fla. (AP) — Isaiah Austin never wanted to become a coach. And now, he sees it as his calling.
The former Baylor center — whose plans to play in the NBA were thwarted when he was diagnosed in 2014 with Marfan syndrome — was introduced Friday as an assistant coach on new coach John Jakus’ staff at Florida Atlantic.
It’s the first real coaching opportunity for the 7-foot-1 Austin, who spent the last few years working for the NBA, not playing in the league. He has a long relationship with Jakus from his Baylor days and couldn’t say no when he was invited to join this staff.
“I have a passion for giving and not receiving,” Austin said. “And this will give me an opportunity to give back to the game what it’s given to me. It’s kind of like a silver lining for my life right now.”
Austin is the third assistant to be hired by FAU to work with Jakus, who was hired last month to replace Dusty May — who left the Owls after six years for Michigan. Todd Abernethy was retained and is back for a sixth season, and Jordan Fee was hired earlier this week. Fee went 32-3 this season at Gannon and returns to South Florida after a seven-season run at Division II power Nova Southeastern, located a few miles south of FAU.
Event to promote love of reading to be held in Kunming
Xi Meets National Assembly of Vietnam Chairman
Moment So You Think You Can Dance star fears she's suffered 'acid attack'
Braves ace Spencer Strider begins recovery from elbow surgery, says team can win World Series
Let fruits of internet development benefit more countries, people
Xi Meets Merieux Foundation President and His Wife
Xinhua Commentary: Xi's Meeting with Ma Injects Positive Energy to Relations Across Taiwan Strait
Italian court drops charges against migrant rescue ship crews and ends long
3rd Belt and Road Forum will be a landmark event: Pakistani expert
A politician running for mayor in northern Mexico is killed, the 16th hopeful slain over June vote
Commentary: Upturn in Chinese economy boosts world's confidence