Whether Markquis Nowell was already considered a size on the university circuit, the general public discovered him above all in the spring during the “March Madness”, the scene of his exceptional level of play under the tunic of kansas state (averages of 23.5 points and 13.5 assists in four games).
And next season in the NBA, it’s up to Toronto that we can continue to follow him. Undrafted on June 22, the 23-year-old leader has indeed joined the Raptors in stride by signing a “two-way” contract, which will allow him to alternate between the NBA and the G-League, with the Raptors 905 on the side of Mississauga.
And according to the native of Harlem, author of a university career with 14.8 points, 5.8 assists and 2.2 steals per game in five seasons, Ontario was in his mind the only drop point considered after the Draft.
” The first time I spoke with the Raptors was during the pre-draft process, at the Combine when we talk to the franchises. We discussed various topics, some basketball related some not. », does he remember. ” And from the start, I felt that the current was flowing. They made it clear to me that they liked me, and that they would try to make me a Raptor. So very quickly, it was only Toronto that I wanted to go. »
A kind of love at first sight between the two camps, therefore, who then did not take long to concretize their collaboration, as soon as the Draft ended. ” I’m happy to be here, finally. adds Markquis Nowell.
Dubbed by the other “little ones” of the league
In an ever more athletic NBA, the former leader of Little Rock and Kansas State will, on the other hand, look like an elf, from the top of his little 1m73. Joining a caste of small leaders who still managed to find a place in the ruthless Great League, and with whom he has already sympathized.
” There is a special brotherhood between us he confirms. ” And I say hello to Kemba Walker, DJ Augustin, Muggsy Bogues and Jose Alvarado, who gave me their strength and support and gave me advice on how to survive in the NBA as a small point guard . »
In his case, survival will come first and foremost through defense. Creator and gifted shooter in the NCAA, Markquis Nowell will undoubtedly have to first prove himself defensively before hoping for more responsibilities on the other side of the field. A challenge that motivates him, he who distinguished himself at university with his good hands (2.2 steals per game over five seasons) and his starving mentality in his own half of the field.
” Defense is effort and energy. You have to want more than the player in front of you who is carrying the ball. When I defend, I don’t care about my height. I’m just tryna make life miserable for my opponent “, he concludes. ” I really love defending and hindering my opponent. »
