Point guard Markquis Nowell caps Kansas State basketball career with Bob Cousy Award

Markquis Nowell already enjoyed a postseason to remember during Kansas State's Elite Eight NCAA Tournament run.

On Saturday, he added the cherry on top by winning the Bob Cousy Award.

Nowell, the Wildcats' dynamic 5-foot-7, 160-pound playmaker, became the 20th recipient of the award honoring the top point guard in Division men's basketball and named after former Boston Celtics and Holy Cross legend Bob Cousy. He was chosen over fellow finalists Tyler Kolek of Marquette, Northwestern's Boo Buie, Penn State's Jalen Pickett and Saint Louis' Yuri Collins.

"I'm honored to receive the Bob Cousy Award as the nation's top point guard," Nowell said in a statement. "To be mentioned among the best players in the country at my position is truly a blessing.

"I want to give all the honor and glory to God for giving me the platform to showcase my talents and gifts is season. I'm not here without his grace."

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The Cousy Award was just the latest honor for Nowell, a first-team Big 12 all-conference selection as well as a third-team All-America pick by multiple publications.

Nowell was at his best during K-State's four NCAA Tournament games, averaging 23.5 points, 13.5 assists and 4.0 steals as the third-seeded Wildcats knocked off Montana State, Kentucky and Michigan State before falling, 79-76, to Florida Atlantic in the East Regional final. He was named Most Outstanding Player in the East Regional, played in his hometown at New York's Madison Square Garden, where he had an NCAA Tournament-record 19 assists against Michigan State in the regional semifinal and capped his career with a 30-point, 10-assist effort against FAU.

K-State, under first-year head coach Jerome Tang, finished with a 26-10 record and tied for third place in the Big 12 after being picked last in the preseason poll. Nowell and forward Ismael Massoud were the only players remaining from the 2021-22 team.

"I can't thank my teammates and coaches enough for all their hard work and sacrifice," Nowell said. "It all started with Ish (Massoud) and I, and coach Tang and his staff were able to build a team around us, and we became like brothers.

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"We had a great year that I will always remember. I also want to thank my family for their sacrifice in helping me become the player and man I am today. Finally, a special shout out to K-State Nation for all their love and support during my career."

For the season, Nowell averaged 17.6 points while shooting 35.5% from 3-point range and 88.9% from the free-throw line. He led the Big 12 in assists with an 8.3 average and steals at 2.6.

Nowell's assist average ranked second nationally, while he was sixth in steals and 14th in free-throw percentage.

Nowell transferred to K-State for the 2021-22 season after three years at Little Rock and averaged 12.4 points with 5.0 assists and 2.2 steals.

Arne Green is based in Salina and covers Kansas State University sports for the Gannett network. He can be reached at agreen@gannett.com or on Twitter at @arnegreen.

This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: Kansas State basketball guard Markquis Nowell wins Bob Cousy Award