Heart. Desire. Motivation.

Those qualities not only embody how to play the game of basketball, but how we should live our lives.

LeRon Scott King did just that.

He was blessed with the rare combination of size, speed, strength and athleticism. However, without heart, desire and motivation to succeed, he would have never become an all-state halfback or earn an athletic scholarship or become a successful businessman or fight leukemia to the end.

In the memory of his passing Dec. 18, 2011, the LeRon King Roundball Classic will honor one of best athletes from Huntington, W.Va., who could light up the room with a smile and touch lives with his kindness and generosity.

Born Nov. 2, 1971, LeRon grew up fast.

Literally.

Always the biggest and tallest kid, LeRon became a four-sport athlete as he starred in football, basketball, baseball and track and field.

Had the strength to run over defenders, hit home runs and throw a shot put or discus further than anyone.

Had speed to finish the fast break with a dunk, chase down fly balls in the outfield and run the 100-meter dash.

A lefty, LeRon also had the athletic ability to shake defenders in open space in football, nail the midrange jumper, and the body control to soar in the long jump.

As a sophomore at Huntington High, LeRon was a starter on one of the best teams ever at the school when the Pony Express won the 1988 Class AAA state title.

For all his success on the field, LeRon was also a standout student with an unquenchable thirst for knowledge. Without the grades to play, he would have never been able to showcase his talents on the field.

In college, LeRon played for Marshall University when it reached the NCAA Division I-AA national title game in 1991, 1992 and 1993. The Herd won it all in 1992.

All LeRon’s talent brought more than just accolades.

From the time he began playing sports, LeRon felt pressure from the outside and from within to become a pro athlete.

When he didn’t reach that ultimate goal, LeRon had to do some soul searching and figure out what to do with his life. The passing of his mom left him at a loss.

He could have given up, but didn’t.

LeRon went into real estate and became owner and operator of KL Ventures LLC. He used his business to not only provide for his family, but to give back to the community.

A father of four, LeRon became a husband and was looking forward to his life.

He had made it, but last spring, LeRon became diagnosed with leukemia.

While his family and loved ones immediately feared the worst, LeRon became even stronger in his faith. As he put it, he was “ready to rumble” with the disease.

LeRon went toe to toe with it and kept doing so until his last breath, which in itself is a greater achievement than anything he did as athlete or a businessman.

So as we celebrate his memory through one of his greatest passions – basketball – LeRon Scott King may have been the biggest kid, but he had the heart to match.

Rest in peace my brother.

Enjoy the games.

You can use the link below to register

https://basketball.exposureevents.com/76880/leron-king-classic