Jonathan Jeanne, an NBA draft prospect from France widely projected to go in the first round later this month, has been diagnosed with a genetic connective-tissue disorder that threatens his career, his agent told The Vertical on Thursday.
Jeanne, a 7-foot-2 center projected by ESPN's Chad Ford to be the 23rd overall pick in the June 22 draft, was found to have Marfan syndrome after an initial MRI at last month's draft combine showed an abnormality in his spine, agent Bouna Ndiaye told The Vertical.
Jeanne, 19, then underwent exams that included medical, physical and genetic testing at the Cleveland Clinic, the report said. Jeanne is not expected to be cleared for future NBA workouts.
Jeanne remains hopeful he can resume his career, Ndiaye said.
His condition is not unprecedented for an NBA draft hopeful. Former Baylor standout Isaiah Austin was diagnosed with Marfan syndrome before the draft in 2014 before being cleared to return to basketball late last year.