How John Calipari apologized to K-State guard Markquis Nowell for ‘little kid’ remark

It truly seems like there are no hard feelings between Kansas State guard Markquis Nowell and Kentucky basketball coach John Calipari.

Tensions may have been on the rise immediately after Calipari chose to refer to Nowell as a “little kid” following K-State’s 75-69 victory over Kentucky in the Round of 32 and fans took offense to the remark on social media. But there is no bad blood between Calipari and Nowell.

They spoke earlier this week and shared several positive words about each other.

“I spoke to Coach Cal,” Nowell said on Wednesday inside Madison Square Garden. “He (direct messaged) me after the game and apologized for his comment that he wasn’t really thinking straight after the game. But he congratulated me on a good game, on a great game.”

Nowell led K-State to a dramatic victory over Kentucky by scoring 27 points and dishing out nine assists. He hit several deep three-pointers in the second half and made countless clutch plays when it mattered most.

Calipari was understandably not in a jovial mood after failing to lead his Wildcats to the Sweet 16.

As a competitor, Nowell can understand that. He accepted Calipari’s apology and was also complimentary of all he has done throughout his coaching career.

“We spoke after that and I congratulated him on his career and what he’s done at Kentucky,” Nowell said. “I told him that I’d be happy to see him at the Hall of Fame one day. And he said, ‘Yeah, you’ll get there, too, because your passion and your hard work will get you there.’”

Nowell said Calipari offered to attend the induction ceremony if the 5-foot-8 guard from New York ends up receiving that honor.

It’s safe to say all is forgiven.

“It was a cool exchange,” Nowell said. “Shout out to Coach Cal for reaching out to me. That was really big.”