The collegiate basketball world recently lost one of its own as former Iowa Hawkeye basketball legend Roy Marble past away at the age of 48. The Iowa Hawkeye all time scoring leader suffered one of the few loses in his life as he lost his battle with cancer last Friday.

Roy Marble was a dominating and transcending figure in the world of college basketball. Not only did he become Iowa's all time leading scorer (2,116 points) but Roy Marble was essential in ushering in the best years in Iowa Hawkeye basketball history. His ability to combine his exceptional athletic skill with his unmatched basketball mind allowed Marble to put Iowa Hawkeye basketball on the map with four tournament apperances, one elite eight apperance, and an overall number one team ranking in 1987.

After transcending the game of college basketball, Roy Marble took his game to the professional level and was the 23rd selection of the 1989 draft by the Atlanta Hawks. Roy's game unfortunately never had the chance to develop in the NBA after he was suspended his in rookie year for violating the leagues substance abuse policy and was never able to recover. Regardless of the way Roy ended his playing career, no one can deny the greatness that was Roy Marble.

Roy Marble was more than just an inspiring figure on the court, he was also an inspiring person off of the court. This father and husband inspired many young athletes to work hard with commitment, dedication, and ability to master their crafts. He was truly a great ambassador of college basketball.

While it may be a tough pill to swallow, the physical loss of Roy Marble does not mark the end, as his legacy will continue to live on. It continues to live on through the halls of Carver-Hawkeye Arena, through the campus of the University of Iowa, through the college basketball history books, and through the Iowa Hawkeye community. It will continue to live on through his son, Roy Devyn Marble, as he carries the teachings of his dad into his own professional career as a member of the Orlando Magic.

This may be the last we see of the legend himself, but it certainly won't be the last time Roy Marble leaves a profound impact on the world of college basketball.

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