Devyn Marble Begins NBA Journey

Nov. 5, 2014

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Editor’s Note: The following first appeared in the University of Iowa’s Hawk Talk Daily, an e-newsletter that offers a daily look at the Iowa Hawkeyes, delivered free each morning to thousands of fans of the Hawkeyes worldwide. To receive daily news from the Iowa Hawkeyes, sign up HERE.

By MATT WEITZEL
hawkeyesports.com

CHICAGO — Regardless of the level of basketball, there are moments that stand the test of time. Former University of Iowa standout Devyn Marble had one of those instances when he scored the first points of his NBA career in Orlando’s season opener at New Orleans.

“It didn’t sink in until after the game,” said Marble on Monday night prior to Magic’s game against the Bulls. “The next day in practice coach (Jacque) Vaughn gave the rookies a laminated box score to showcase to our family and friends.”

After starting 103 games as a Hawkeye, Marble has seen limited action coming off the bench in his first four NBA games. Marble says despite the lack of playing time, his mindset is to always be ready.

“Whenever coach calls my name, I want to come in, be aggressive, and play my game,” Marble said. “I believe I’ve done a good job of that so far when my name has been called and playing toward my strengths.”

Marble believes competing in the Big Ten on a nightly basis the last four years prepared him for the physical nature of professional basketball.

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“Big Ten competition helped me with the transition from college to the NBA,” said Marble, a two-time All-Big Ten performer. “The NBA is more physical, but coming from a physical conference gave me that edge and ability to play through contact.”

Marble says Fran McCaffery‘s offensive system is comparable to how things are run in the NBA.

“The freedom of how we play in the NBA is similar to how coach McCaffery had us playing,” said Marble. “The system is a little different with nuances of the offense, but Iowa definitely prepared me for the NBA.”

Orlando head coach Jacque Vaughn said he has been pleased with what Marble brings to the team.

“Like any rookie, you have to learn the league,” said Vaughn. “He has a great ability to do the little things in a lot of different areas — whether it’s rebounding, passing the basketball, or getting to the rim. He has done a lot of good things for us.”

Since beginning his professional career in Orlando, Marble has grown close with Elfrid Payton. The fellow rookie says Marble has been a great teammate who always has a positive attitude.

“He is always in the gym; he loves to work,” Payton said. “His biggest asset is that he is always ready. Whenever his number is called, he has been able to produce.”

Marble says every day in the NBA is a learning process and expects his skillset to grow during the course of the season.

“I’m learning every day and in every practice,” Marble said. “I still have a lot of work to do. Throughout the season, with it being so long, I will see a huge difference in my game four months from now.”

Vaughn praised Marble’s basketball instincts and coach-ability, saying Marble wants to and is eager to learn.

“You can tell he has been around the game a long time,” said Vaughn. “You can tell he was well-coached at Iowa. I’m excited to see what his future with us holds.”

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