4/19/2024 | Men’s Basketball
BOCA RATON, Fla. – Florida Atlantic head men’s basketball coach John Jakus announced the hiring of Isaiah Austin as assistant coach.
Austin arrives to the Owls to join Jakus’ inaugural staff after two years working in the NBA front office with a focus on player development.
Prior to working in the league front office, Austin was a professional basketball player overseas. From 2017-2021 he spent his time playing for 11 countries. In June of 2021, he was the first overall draft pick in the Big3 for the Enemies.
Before his overseas career, Austin declared for the NBA draft in 2014, forgoing his two years of NCAA eligibility. Shortly before the draft, he was diagnosed with Marfan’s Syndrome. Despite this, on draft night between the 15th and 16th picks, he was named a ceremonial pick by the NBA.
Austin was a two-year starter with the Baylor Bears from 2012-2014 during Jakus’ two seasons as a graduate assistant. As a freshman, Austin earned third-team All-Big 12 and Big 12 All-Rookie Team honors. In the 2013 NIT Championship, he recorded 15 points, nine rebounds, five blocks, four assists, and two steals to lead Baylor’s victory over Iowa by a score of 74-54. Austin started in all 35 games, averaging 13.0 points, 8.3 rebounds, 1.1 assists, and 1.7 blocks in 29.9 minutes per game.
In his sophomore season, Austin appeared in 38 games, averaging 11.2 points, 5.5 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and 3.1 blocks in 28.0 minutes per game. Austin was named to the Big 12 Championship All-Tournament Team, All-Big 12 Honorable Mention, and All-Big 12 Defensive Team.
Austin also had a distinguished high school career at Grace Preparatory Academy, being recognized as a McDonald’s All-American in 2012.
Joining Austin in Boca Raton is his wife Alexa and son Ezekiel Austin.
QUOTABLE
Head Coach John Jakus
“I love Isaiah Austin. He was the number one player in the country as a high school player. It was an honor for me to be with him as a player when I was on staff at Baylor. He was every bit a lottery pick, but for health reasons, it didn’t work out. Through that process, he became more than a player for me. One of the most important people in my career. He spent the last few years working with Adam Silver and the NBA. It is a complete honor for him to join our staff. Very few men would do a better job taking care of 18-22-year-old players throughout their college career.”
Assistant Coach Isaiah Austin
“I get to move my family to Paradise and coach with some amazing men, all while having a positive impact on their lives. It doesn’t get much better than that!”
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