He was a three-time All-American at Notre Dame and was an early professional in the National Basketball League.

Nowak, a center, played at South Bend Central High School and Notre Dame.

After his collegiate career, Nowak played professionally for the Akron Firestone Non-Skids with former Notre Dame teammate John Moir, leading the team to a National Basketball League title in 1940.

Nowak later played for the Toledo Jim Whites Chevrolets, Rochester Royals, and Philadelphia Sphas.

This biographical article relating to a United States basketball player, coach, or other figure born in the 1910s is a stub.