Kansas State Wildcats guard Markquis Nowell. Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Former NBA All-Star praises K-State's Markquis Nowell

By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated 3/23/23

At 5-foot-8, Markquis Nowell is far from an imposing force. However, after a record-breaking performance Thursday helping Kansas State advance to the Elite Eight, the diminutive guard received praise from a former NBA All-Star with similar stature.

Inspired by Nowell's outing, 11-year NBA veteran Isaiah Thomas took to Twitter, speculating that the young point-guard will force his way into the NBA, where they don't give smaller players a "fair shake."

They gon be mad that they have to give em a chance at the next level. You know the small guards they try not and give ‘em a fair shake. Keep doing your thing killa https://t.co/LQHUgBmavM
— Isaiah Thomas (@isaiahthomas) March 24, 2023

Listed at 5-foot-9 and 185 pounds, Thomas knows about being shortchanged due to his height. Despite starring at Washington, where he earned All-Pac-12 honors three times, Thomas went 60th overall in the 2011 NBA Draft to the Sacramento Kings. Thomas, now 34, seemingly had to fight for every opportunity, even after earning two All-Star nods. Over an 11-year NBA career, Thomas played for 10 different teams, last suiting up for the Charlotte Hornets in 2021-22.

If Nowell's strong play continues into the Elite Eight, the senior may have NBA teams thinking twice about passing on him.

On Thursday night, Nowell set the NCAA Tournament record for assists with 19, adding 20 points to lift K-State over Michigan State in overtime, 98-93.

MARKQUIS NOWELL. ABSOLUTELY UNREAL.#MarchMadness @KStateMBB pic.twitter.com/iuih64m4Ex
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) March 24, 2023

Nowell has led the charge for the Wildcats in the tournament, averaging 22 points, 11.5 assists and three steals in wins over No. 14 Montana State and No. 6 Kentucky.

Kansas State will take on No. 9 Florida Atlantic in the regional final on Saturday or Sunday with the winner advancing to the Final Four.

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