Marble: 'It Was Surreal'

June 27, 2014

• Read the June issue of Hawk Talk Monthly
• Download your Hawk Talk Monthly iOS app
• Download your Hawk Talk Monthly android app
• Download your Iowa Hawkeye Android app!
• Big Ten Network: Free Hawkeye Video
• 24 Hawkeyes to Watch

By JAMES ALLAN
hawkeyesports.com

IOWA CITY, Iowa — Roy Devyn Marble’s NBA dream is now reality.

The Denver Nuggets selected the former University of Iowa men’s basketball standout with the 56th pick in the 2014 NBA Draft before sending his rights to the Orlando Magic in a draft-day trade.

“It was surreal,” Marble said during a media teleconference Thursday night. “I was blessed to be taken off the board. It was very emotional, and I am not an emotional guy.

“I was happy to come this far. I don’t think people understand how much hard work I had to put in to get where I am today. All that poured out all at once. I am blessed to be in this position.”

Marble is the first Hawkeye to be drafted since Adam Haluska was taken with the 43rd pick in the 2007 NBA Draft. Marble, who is the 52nd Iowa player taken all-time, finished his UI career fifth in scoring (1,694 points), sixth in assists (397) and seventh in steals (176).

Marble watched the draft with friends and family at local bar and grill in his hometown of Southfield, Michigan. UI head coach Fran McCaffery, the Hawkeye coaching staff and teammates Melsahn Basabe and Anthony Clemmons were among those in attendance.

“There is no way we wouldn’t be here,” said McCaffery. “We were so happy to be part of this night for him and to share it with his family. It is a highlight in anybody’s coaching career to see one of the guys you love get his name called.”

McCaffery says Marble’s end result concludes a whirlwind six-week stretch where he worked out for 15 teams and is a culmination of 21 years of hard work.

“These last six weeks have been so pressure-packed for him,” said McCaffery. “He handled it so well and has worked so hard to become one of the elite players in our league and Iowa history. To see his name get called like that, to see his and his family’s reaction was a great feeling for all of us.”

Marble — a first-team All-Big Ten and all-district honoree as a senior — was one of three players selected by the Magic along with Arizona power forward Aaron Gordon and Louisiana-Lafayette guard Elfrid Payton.

“I am pretty sure they’re looking at me as a 2-3,” he said. “That’s what most teams felt my positioning was at the two and if I get stronger a three. They like my versatility as a wing more than as a point guard.”

After waiting it out four and a half hours before his name was called on draft night, Marble’s focus is now on the end result, which is making a roster this fall.

“As the clock was winding down, you’re sitting there thinking, `What is going on?’ he said. “I am happy I did get picked and I am in a great organization with a great chance to be on a roster come this fall. I am taking it all in stride and enjoying the moment.”

Marble will travel to Orlando for a news conference Friday, return to Detroit on Saturday and head back to the Sunshine State for a team dinner early next week.