Former NBA prospect Isaiah Austin discusses the NBA Draft and his new book

By NICK CREEGAN

This Thursday is the NBA Draft and many young men will have their lives changed as they hear their name called to join an NBA roster.

That was supposed to be Isaiah Austin a year ago before his dream was cut short when he was diagnosed with Marfan's syndrome, a genetic disease that affects the body's connective tissue.

As a first-round hopeful out of Baylor, Austin, 21, did what many other young men in his position wouldn't be able to do: Continue to dream big.

In his new book, 'Dream Again' he speaks about how he overcame that heartbreaking news and made it his mission in life to help other young men achieve their goals.

"Sharing the experience of what it was like getting the news with my family and loved ones is what I look forward to people reading the most," said Austin. "That meant the most to me that night. Just having everybody that loved me for me and not the basketball player that I was to be there for me at that time of turmoil."

While on the topic of spending time with family and friends, the 7-1 former center offered some words of advice to the young men that will be waiting for their call on draft night.

"Don't take anything for granted. Everyone in this draft has talent so I just want them to go out there and do their thing," said Austin.

This draft is a very strong class with a few great choices for the top 5 picks, but if Austin was part of the Timberwolves front office, he knows who he would draft for the first pick.

"Honestly I would have to go big and snatch Karl-Anthony Towns," he said.

"They lost (Kevin) Love, and Towns is a little like him because he can shoot the three and spread the court. Most importantly he'll bring that presence on the defensive end that they need."

While there are names that are definitely getting called early, there is one player Austin feels like teams shouldn't sleep on and allow to get picked up too late.

"I think RJ Hunter is going back to be a monster in the league," said Austin. "I got to watch him workout, and his shot is just flat out pure man. A lot of people don't respect his ball handling not and the way he plays off ball screens, but he's a smart player and gets the job done."

'Dream Again' is now in book stores and available online.