Raptors sign undrafted March Madness star Markquis Nowell to two-way contract

The Toronto Raptors took a flier on a high-profile undrafted free agent early Friday morning, signing Kansas State guard Markquis Nowell to a two-way contract, according to The Athletic’s Shams Charania.

Nowell, 23, had a breakout performance in this last season’s NCAA tournament, leading Kansas State to the Elite 8 while averaging 23.5 points per game during his four tournament games. He hit a variety of important shots for Kansas State throughout the tournament and also set a NCAA tournament record with 19 assists in Kansas State's overtime victory over Michigan State in the Sweet 16.

The fifth-year senior, who began his college career with Little Rock, averaged a career-best 17.6 points and 8.3 assists per game this past season while shooting 35.5% on three-point shots. The 5-foot-8, 160-pound New York native projects as a point guard at the NBA level. If he cracks Toronto's roster, he would be the shortest player in the NBA. Jacob Gilyard, who is 5-foot-9, held that distinction last season after suiting up in one game with the Memphis Grizzlies.

Toronto's depth chart at point guard is murky, with incumbent starter Fred VanVleet opting out of his contract earlier this month. He will become an unrestricted free agent on June 30 and will have plenty of suitors. Malachi Flynn is the only point guards under contract for next season, with Jeff Dowtin Jr. and Dalano Banton potentially in the mix if the Raptors extend them qualifying offers and both players accept.

The Raptors selected Kansas shooting guard Gradey Dick with the No. 13 overall pick in Thursday’s NBA Draft.