He played two years of college basketball for Baylor University and was set to enter the NBA in 2014 until he was diagnosed with a mild form of Marfan syndrome.

As a senior in 2011–12, he averaged 15 points, 11 rebounds and five blocks per game, earning back-to-back Fort Worth Star-Telegram Super Team Player of the Year honors.

Austin participated in the 2012 McDonald's All-American Game, 2012 Adidas Nations and the 2012 Jordan Brand Classic.

On April 4, 2013, he recorded 15 points, nine rebounds, five blocks, four assists and two steals in the NIT championship game in which Baylor defeated Iowa 74–54.

[3] On April 22, 2014, Austin declared for the 2014 NBA draft, forgoing his final two years of college eligibility.

[5] On June 22, 2014, Austin learned that he had been diagnosed with a mild case of Marfan syndrome, a genetic disorder that affects the body's connective tissue, which caused NBA teams to reassess selecting him.

In response, NBA commissioner Adam Silver invited Austin to attend the draft as his guest.

[8][9] On November 30, 2016, Austin was medically cleared to play basketball and began considering offers from overseas.

In December 2019, Austin joined Mets de Guaynabo for their return to the Baloncesto Superior Nacional in 2020.

[27] In September 2017, the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas began the process of including Austin in their men's national basketball team, to be considered as a naturalized player in the future.

[28][29][30] He suited up as an import for Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas, the national team competing as a club, at the 2017 FIBA Asia Champions Cup.