By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Markquis Nowell reached a deal with Baskonia to move his talents to the EuroLeague, according to Chema de Lucas.
From a brilliant NCAA career featuring a record for the most assists in a single game with 19 en route to winning the Bob Cousy Award as the top point guard in college basketball, the New York City native signed a two-way contract with the Toronto Raptors after going undrafted in 2023. However, he was limited to one NBA appearance, spending the remainder of the past two seasons in the G League with the Raptors 905 and Rio Grande Valley Vipers. His 2024-25 journey amounted to 16.0 points, 8.5 assists, 3.1 rebounds, 1.9 steals, and 0.6 blocks per contest.
Carrying determination translating into effective displays on both ends of the court, the former Kansas State and Little Rock player in the NCAA will combine Europe’s premier club competition with Spain’s Liga Endesa, which is widely considered the strongest domestic league of the continent.
With Markus Howard headlining the backcourt, alongside additional options for the new head coach, Paolo Galbiati, in Trent Forrest, Matteo Spagnolo, Hamidou Diallo, Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot, Nowell emerged as the most suitable addition upon a market search lasting until the bottom end of the preseason. Mamadi Diakite, Khalifa Diop, Clement Frisch, Rodions Kurucs, Luka Samanic, Tadas Sedekerskis, and Rafa Villar are also on the roster.
The first official game on the 2025-26 schedule is against Olympiacos in Fernando Buesa Arena on September 30.
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