University of Northern Iowa Athletics
Singleton Reaches Cedar Valley Through Blog
11/19/2014 1:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
By Nick Gary
UNI Athletic Communications Student Assistant
Marvin Singleton may resemble a prototypical tight end, but make no mistake about it; he was destined for the hardwood. The 6'6” 232-pound senior forward was introduced to basketball by his father at a young age, and has never turned back.
Singleton's father, Marvin Sr., played for Division II Washburn University (Topeka, Kan.) and was named to the second-team all-conference squad and the team's Most Valuable Player in 1990-91, their first season as an NCAA school. Singleton Sr. was a very influential figure in the path his son has chosen in athletics and life.
“He has been a real hero to me,” the younger Singleton said. “Growing up, it was an awesome opportunity to watch my father play and developing a passion for basketball that we both shared.”
Singleton, a marketing major with an advertising emphasis, learned another important lesson from his father, the importance of succeeding in the classroom.
“He was always talking to me about focusing on school,” said Singleton. “From a young age, it was implanted in me that basketball is not possible without getting solid grades.”
Recently, Singleton has shown he has taken his father's teachings to heart. He began writing his own blog, which started as a class project, but transformed into something more important.
“In class, we were supposed to choose something we were passionate about,” he recalled. “So I decided to write about professional athletes giving back to the community, two things that are important to me.”
As graduation nears, Singleton is talking future goals, and would love nothing more than to continue his basketball career professionally. When he gets his opportunity, he is planning on giving back to the community, similar to the athletes he has written about.
“This blog has been a huge learning experience,” said Singleton. “It has given me an idea how to act on and off the floor, and to be a positive impact in the community.”
However, Singleton realizes that his basketball career can't last forever, and he has prepared himself for the day he has to move on from the sport.
“After I am done playing I would love to work in marketing athletes,” said Singleton. “Being a basketball player, I will be able to connect to those guys, and do something I am passionate about.”
Before Singleton begins fulfilling his post-graduate aspirations, he will take the court for a Panther team that has very high expectations entering the 2014-2015 season.
Singleton has been one of the most versatile athletes for UNI over the past three years, spending time at nearly every position. Although he does not know what his specific role will be, he is entering the season with an open mind and willing to do anything head coach Ben Jacobson asks him to do.
“I just cannot wait to get started,” said Singleton. “I am sure my role will be determined, but I'm just going to go out there, work hard, and do what I need to do to help the team win.”
