Isaiah Austin Selected by NBA in 2014 Draft in Classy Gesture

The NBA honored former Baylor star Isaiah Austin with an honorary pick during Thursday's 2014 NBA draft. 

Austin, who was diagnosed with Marfan Syndrome and forced to prematurely give up his dream of professional basketball, was called up to the stage by commissioner Adam Silver while the crowd gave him a standing ovation.

The NBA's Instagram account provided a look at the heart-warming moment: 

Kevin Durant weighed in, praising Silver for the move: 

Many others were quick to applaud the new commissioner. Campus Insiders' Bonnie Bernstein and SI's Chris Mannix put it simply: 

Still, while Silver and the NBA created a beautiful, touching moment, Austin was the deserved star. 

Jenny Dial Creech of the Houston Chronicle has more on Austin:

Ever since receiving the devastating news that would keep him from the NBA, he has handled himself with unbelievable poise. Others might fall apart in a similar position, but Austin has revealed his fantastic character by being so open and positive.

Austin talked about the draft on CNN's New Day on Friday morning:

He showed off his infectious attitude before the draft: 

ESPN's Josina Anderson captured this quote from Austin, as the amount of dry eyes at the Barclays Center exponentially decreased:

Turner Sports' Ernie Johnson and ESPN's Dana O'Neil chimed in:

What a moment. 

It would be great if the NBA followed through and found a way to use Austin in some capacity. Whether or not that happens, though, this young man has proven he has the will and attitude to find success in life. 

Basketball or no basketball.