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.
Canton Fair sees surge in number of overseas purchasers: official
Olympic Villages for Beijing 2022 Officially Open
China Issues Guideline to Ramp up Support, Assistance for Disabled
Feature: Beijing Normal University Pioneers Integrating Sports, Education
Nicola Peltz cements the end of 'feud' with 'beautiful' mother
Roundup: China Equals Best Record in Olympic Golds, French Pair Crowned in Ice Dance
Passenger Trips to Exceed 1 Bln During 2022 Spring Festival Travel Rush
China to Step up Myopia Monitoring Among Youngsters
Rock trailblazer Heart reunites for a world tour and a new song
Zero Tolerance for Sexual Assault Against Minors: Top Procuratorate
Controversial university 'race researcher' who wrote that equality between white and non
Maternity Leave Extended in 25 Chinese Provinces: Official