This year’s NCAA Division I Men’s and even Women’s Tournament have been nothing short of amazing. The tournament surely lived up to the ‘March Madness’ name as teams prepare for the Final Four stage. Many players have seen their star grow over the past month and they’ll be eagerly awaiting an opportunity to make a name for themselves in the big leagues. Recently, a Kansas State Wildcats star, who won over fans along with multiple NBA players with his performances, dropped some major news on social media which drew mixed reactions from fans.
Kansas State Wildcats guard Markquis Nowell was probably the biggest star to come out of March Madness. His stats along with his highlight-making ability make for a perfect blend of exciting young talent. However, the player who broke records with his performance in this year’s tournament has been getting mixed reactions from fans after making a major announcement about his future.
Markquis Nowell impressed Kevin Durant and other NBA stars
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Markquis Nowell surely turned some heads this year with his on-court performance. Apart from his record-breaking night with 19 assists in a game, Nowell also set the record for most assists in a March Madness tournament since 1984.
Now the 5’8, 23-year-old guard has declared for the 2023 NBA draft. Stars from the league like Isaiah Thomas, Trae Young, Myles Turner, and also Kevin Durant all had high praises for the young guard. Even NFL star Patrick Mahomes was more than impressed with his performance. After Nowell’s Sweet 16 performance, KD tweeted, “That was a legendary display of controlling a basketball game Markquis. GG’s.”
That was a legendary display of controlling a basketball game Markquis. GG’s
— Kevin Durant (@KDTrey5) March 24, 2023
So, even though the size is not on Nowell’s side, his hustle and grit sure are. The Kansas State guard has joined the likes of NBA legends with his performance in this year’s tournament. Nowell became the first player since former Utah Jazz star Deron Williams to have 50+ assists in one NCAA tournament.
Even in the loss against the Florida Atlantic Owls, Nowell notched a game-high 30 points along with 12 assists. This made him the first player with 25 points and 10 assists in an Elite Eight or later since Dwyane Wade did it in 2003. Nonetheless, his performances have apparently not won over many fans.
Fans are divided in two over Nowell’s decision
Markquis Nowell’s decision to declare for the NBA draft has drawn mixed reactions from fans. One fan tweeted, “Get that degree first my boy.”
Get that degree first my boy https://t.co/iZSkC7E17i
— YB (@joshsquiat) March 30, 2023
While another fan commented, “Kid is lethal.”
kid is lethal https://t.co/VMkQRjjZhB
— DJ (@denzeljuliob) March 30, 2023
Here are a few more reactions from fans on Twitter.
This guy gets paid $30+ Million a year in this league. Markquis should be fine. pic.twitter.com/SfrTlLycsd
— BrunsonMuse (@BrunsonMuse) March 30, 2023
He ain’t getting drafted man. 23 years old and he’s 4’6
— ⛈️ (@ThunderFanIsaac) March 30, 2023
Listen if he was 4 inches taller he would be top 5 guaranteed someone give him a chance
— Bret the Epidemiologist (@Brettheepi) March 30, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
All the comments saying he won’t make it in the NBA 😂 did y’all not see what he did in the tournament? Someone is most definitely going to give him a chance. He might be 5’8 but his IQ and play making ability is NBA level 100%
— Mike Conigliaro (@mikegconigs) March 30, 2023
While some condemned his decision, others seemed to support it claiming he has everything to make it in the NBA.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Watch This Story – How a pre-NBA Kevin Durant humiliated LeBron James
Did Nowell make the right decision or not? Let us know what you think in the comments section below.