French NBA Draft Prospect Jonathan Jeanne Diagnosed with Marfan Syndrome
Jonathan Jeanne, who was previously considered a potential first-round selection in the 2017 NBA draft, has been diagnosed with Marfan syndrome, a serious heart condition that could threaten to halt his career in the Association before it begins.
According to The Vertical's Shams Charania, the French big man was diagnosed after an initial physical exam at the NBA Draft Combine in May "showed an abnormality in his spine that required follow-up examinations."
Subsequent tests confirmed the diagnosis.
A hawking 7'2'' presence with a wingspan in excess of 7'6'', Jeanne turned the heads of pro scouts with SLUC Nancy Basket in France's Pro A League last season.
Over the course of 19 games, the 19-year-old averaged 11.3 points, 12.1 rebounds and 2.4 blocks per 40 minutes while shooting 48 percent on two-point field goals.
Bleacher Report's Jonathan Wasserman had projected Jeanne to the Sacramento Kings at No. 34 overall in his latest mock draft.
Former Baylor Bears big man Isaiah Austin was also diagnosed with Marfan syndrome in advance of the 2014 NBA draft. But in a positive turn of events, Austin was told he could return to the floor in December 2016 after he received clearances from his doctors.
Measurements and stats courtesy of DraftExpress.com.
