Former K-State basketball stars to participate in NBA All-Star Weekend ‘Up Next Game’
A pair of former Kansas State basketball players are making the most out of their rookie seasons in the NBA G League.
Keyontae Johnson and Markquis Nowell have both been selected to participate in the NBA G League Up Next Game, which will feature top players from across the G League. The game will be played on Feb. 18 as part of the NBA’s All-Star Weekend festivities in Indianapolis.
That is excellent news for both of the former Wildcats as they work to secure full-time roster spots in the NBA.
Johnson, who was selected in the second round of the 2023 NBA Draft by the Oklahoma City Thunder, is averaging 20 points and 6.9 rebounds for the team’s G League affiliate this season. He has also appeared in six NBA games with the Thunder, averaging 1.5 points and 1.0 rebounds per game.
The 6-foot-4 wing only spent one season with the Wildcats, but it was a memorable. He teamed up with Nowell last season and helped K-State win 26 games on its way to the Elite Eight.
They played so well together for the Wildcats that head coach Jerome Tang has suggested they both deserve to have their numbers retired at Bramlage Coliseum.
He was understandably happy for both of his former players. His hope is they end up on the same team in the game.
“That’s such an honor,” Tang said. “Look at the rosters in the G League, and they’re All-American guys. Justise Winslow is in the G league, right? And these two dudes got the honor ... I am so, so proud of them.”
Nowell, who signed a free-agent deal with the Toronto Raptors after going undrafted, is averaging 15.6 points and 8.8 assists with Toronto’s G League team.
He has made one appearance with the Raptors, and scored two points in that game.
Nowell is a 5-foot-7 guard who lives by the motto “heart over height.” He had a sensational year with the Wildcats as a senior and is now chasing his basketball dreams at the next level.
K-State fans can watch them reunite on the court during NBA All-Star Weekend.
This story was originally published January 29, 2024 at 1:53 PM.