Calling it quits far too early and way too soon
May 30, 2008 by Kevin Hunter
Filed under Basketball
It’s always tough when an athlete at the top of his game has to suddenly retire due to injuries or some other health problem. It’s even worse when that player is in high school or college, so young and just starting to hit his stride.
Such is the case for Louisville center Clarence Holloway. The 7-foot-1 inch center learned this week that he has to call it a career at Louisville after being diagnosed with Marfan syndrome.
Marfan syndrome is a genetic disorder of the connective tissue characterized by disproportionately long limbs, long thin fingers, a typically tall stature, and a predisposition to cardiovascular abnormalities, specifically those affecting the heart valves and aorta. The disorder may also affect numerous other structures and organs – including the lungs, eyes, dural sac surrounding the spinal cord, and hard plate. Patients with Marfan syndrome are told to stay away from heavy exercise is they show any signs of aorta trouble.
That was a mouth full. And thanks to the fine folks at www.Wikipedia.org for the definition.
The Chicago native Holloway never got the chance to play for the Cardinals last season. He had to sit out his freshman after open-heart surgery to repair the wall of his aorta and his aortic valve.
While at the Chicago Boys to Men Math and English Academy Holloway averaged 15 points and 10 rebounds a game. In 2006 he made himself eligible for the NBA Draft, but later withdrew.
Reports say that Holloway said will remain at Louisville and the school will file a permanent medical exemption on his behalf, which will allow him to remain on scholarship, but will not count again the Cardinals overall scholarship limit.
It is estimated that 1 in 5,000 people are diagnosed with Marfan syndrome in the United States. After treatment most go on live productive lives.
Let’s hope and pray that this will be the case for Holloway. We certainly wish him all the best and that he has a great recovery, and that he will get a great education at Louisville.
