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.
Asian Winter Games Harbin 2025 releases promo video
Impeachment articles against Mayorkas to be sent to Senate
Apple pulls WhatsApp and Threads from App Store on Beijing's orders
Leverkusen moves 10 points clear atop Bundesliga
Chengdu, a rising megacity based on sound governance
Characters enter the public domain. Winnie the Pooh becomes a killer. Where is remix culture going?
Coyotes' move to Salt Lake City elicits opposing responses in 2 cities
US sanctions fundraisers for extremist West Bank settlers who commit violence against Palestinians
Chinese athletes preparing for 2026 Winter Olympics