Kansas State guard Markquis Nowell officially declares for 2023 NBA Draft

Kansas State superstar guard Markquis Nowell has officially declared for the 2023 NBA Draft, he announced on his social media pages on Wednesday evening. The electrifying guard dazzled college basketball fans with several unforgettable performances in this year’s NCAA Tournament, as he propelled the Kansas State Wildcats to their first Elite Eight appearance since 2018, where they lost 79-76 to the Florida Atlantic Owls.

Check out his announcement below on his Twitter page.

I Got So Much Going On And If I Do It Right, I LITT For Life!! #Legendary pic.twitter.com/02je7mLZnE

— Markquis Nowell (@MrNewYorkCityy) March 30, 2023

Nowell wrote in his statement: “Dear Kansas State,

“First and foremost, I want to thank my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Without him, none of this is possible. Playing for Kansas State has been nothing short of a dream come true. From wearing the script Wildcat across my chest, to a ridiculously loud bramlage with the most passionate fans in the world, I’m grateful for it all. To my teammates, coaching staff, Gene Taylor, and everybody who works their magic behind the scenes thank you! All those hours in the gym & all the late nights working allowed me to have the success that I’ve been able to have. You guys have been nothing short of a blessing in this chapter in my life,” Nowell wrote.

He continued, “To the fans of Kansas State University, I hope I made you guys proud, I hope when you think of me you think of the kid from Harlem NY who as the most passionate player & most exciting player that played for K-State. I played for the name on the front of the jersey and not for the name on the back. Thank you guys for giving K-State the best home court advantage in the country. You guys are a big piece to our success. Continue to pack out Bram and remind people why the Octagan of Doom is the scariest place to play if you’re a visiting foe. To play in the NBA has been a dream of mine since I was 7 years old and I finally have the opportunity to turn a dream into a reality. Continue to pray for me as I embark on this new journey and chapter of my life. And never forget, every man a Wildcat! Markquis Nowell #1”

Nowell delivered a tournament for the ages in this year’s NCAA Tournament, averaging 24 points and 14 assists per game in the Wildcats’ impressive run to the Elite Eight. He accomplished a number of historic achievements, including setting the NCAA Tournament record for the most assists in a single game (19). Nowell broke the previous record that was set by UNLV’s Mark Wade, who had 18 assists in the 1987 National Semifinals, according to ESPN Stats and Info. No matter what he does in his NBA career, there’s no question that Markquis Nowell cemented himself in the hearts of college basketball fans across the country forever with his spectacular play in this year’s NCAA Tournament.

Nowell decided to enter the 2023 NBA Draft

The 2023 NBA Draft is set to take place on Thursday, June 22, 2023, in Brooklyn at Barclays Center. Round 1 of the draft will be announced by NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, while Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum is expected to handle the second round of picks.

To be eligible for the NBA Draft, players must be at least 19 years in age during the calendar year that the draft is held and at least one NBA season from their high school graduation date, or the date that would have been if they are not graduated. It is not required that player spend that one year playing college basketball, though. Players can play in either college, abroad, or the G League Ignite if they choose so.

While this is a significant change from what the rules once were, players are eligible to enter their names into the NBA Draft pool and explore their options by hiring an agent to go through the process, while still keeping their college eligibility. The deadline to make that move is on April 23 beginning at 11:59 p.m. ET. Players have until June 12 at 5 p.m. ET to withdraw their name from the pool and return to college.

The NBA Draft Lottery will be held on May 16, which is also the start of the NBA Conference Finals.

On3’s Nick Kosko also contributed to this article.