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.
FAU hires Isaiah Austin, whose NBA playing plans were derailed, as an assistant coach
Waitangi 2024: Thousands stand in unity to challenge government on Treaty principles
Wastewater testing reveals alcohol consumption higher in smaller towns
Van Thinh Phat chairwoman sentenced to death in Vietnam’s biggest fraud trial — Radio Free Asia
Biden administration restricts oil and gas leasing in Alaska
Water meter charges planned for Masterton
Homes catch fire as lava spills onto town in Iceland
With feasts and patrols, China tries to keep Uyghurs from fasting — Radio Free Asia
Angel Reese gushes over Caitlin Clark as she put rivalries aside at last week's WNBA Draft
Chlöe Swarbrick announces she will run for Greens co