Ryan Nembhard and Andrew Nembhard are two of the most promising basketball players in Canada. They both have impressive skills, achievements, and aspirations in the sport. But are they related? The answer is yes, they are brothers. In this article, we will explore the untold story of Ryan and Andrew Nembhard, their family background, their college careers, and their professional prospects.
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The Nembhard Family
Ryan and Andrew Nembhard were born in Aurora, Ontario, Canada. Their parents are Claude and Mary Nembhard, who immigrated to Canada from Jamaica in the 1980s. Claude is a former basketball player who played for York University and Ryerson University. He also coached youth basketball teams in Ontario, including his sons’ teams. Mary is a nurse who works at a hospital in Toronto.
Ryan and Andrew are the eldest and the youngest sons of the family, respectively. They have two sisters, Ashley and Alyssa, who are also involved in sports. Ashley plays soccer for York University, while Alyssa plays volleyball for Ryerson University.
The Nembhard family is very close and supportive of each other. They often travel together to watch each other’s games and cheer them on. They also share a passion for basketball and a competitive spirit.
Ryan Nembhard’s College Career
Ryan Nembhard is a 20-year-old point guard who plays for the Creighton Bluejays of the Big East Conference. He is a sophomore who transferred from Gonzaga University after his freshman year.
Ryan was a highly rated recruit coming out of high school. He attended Montverde Academy in Florida, where he played alongside his brother Andrew and other future NBA stars like Cade Cunningham, Scottie Barnes, and Moses Moody. He helped Montverde win three consecutive national championships and was named a McDonald’s All-American in 2021.
At Gonzaga, Ryan played in 28 games as a reserve, averaging 4.5 points, 2.1 assists, and 1.3 rebounds per game. He was part of the Bulldogs team that reached the NCAA championship game in 2021, losing to Baylor.
Ryan decided to transfer to Creighton after his freshman year, citing a desire for more playing time and a better fit with the system. He received a waiver from the NCAA to play immediately for the Bluejays without sitting out a year.
At Creighton, Ryan has emerged as one of the best point guards in the country. He is averaging 11.6 points, 4.7 assists, and 3.6 rebounds per game while shooting 41.6% from the field and 37.8% from the three-point line. He has also earned six Big East Freshman of the Week honors and was named to the midseason watch list for the Bob Cousy Award, given to the best point guard in college basketball.
Ryan is known for his quickness, vision, creativity, and leadership on the court. He can score from all levels, set up his teammates with pinpoint passes, and defend with intensity. He is also a clutch performer who has hit several game-winning shots for Creighton this season.
Ryan has high aspirations for his college career and beyond. He wants to help Creighton win its first Big East title and make a deep run in the NCAA tournament. He also wants to follow his brother’s footsteps and play in the NBA someday.
Andrew Nembhard’s Professional Career
Andrew Nembhard is a 23-year-old point guard who plays for the Indiana Pacers of the NBA. He was drafted by the Pacers with the 31st overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft.
Andrew was also a star player at Montverde Academy, where he won three national titles with his brother Ryan and others. He was also a McDonald’s All-American in 2018 and a member of Canada’s national team at various levels.
Andrew played two seasons at the University of Florida before transferring to Gonzaga University for his junior year. At Florida, he averaged 9.5 points, 5.5 assists, and 2.9 rebounds per game while setting several school records for assists by a freshman and sophomore. He declared for the NBA Draft twice but withdrew both times to return to college.
At Gonzaga, Andrew played a key role in leading the Bulldogs to an undefeated regular season and a national runner-up finish in 2021. He averaged 9.2 points, 4.4 assists, and 2.4 rebounds per game while shooting 48.4% from the field and 33% from the three-point line.
Andrew decided to enter the NBA Draft for good after his junior year at Gonzaga. He was projected as a second-round pick by most experts but impressed teams with his workouts and interviews leading up to the draft.
The Indiana Pacers selected Andrew with the first pick of the second round, making him the highest-drafted Canadian player in NBA history. He signed a four-year, $8.6 million contract with the Pacers, with $6.4 million guaranteed.
Andrew has had a solid rookie season with the Pacers, averaging 8.7 points, 4.0 assists, and 2.6 rebounds per game while shooting 42.9% from the field and 35.7% from the three-point line. He has also started 15 games for the Pacers due to injuries to other players.
Andrew has shown his potential and versatility in the NBA, playing both on and off the ball, scoring in different ways, facilitating for his teammates, and defending multiple positions. He has also had some memorable moments, such as hitting a game-winning shot against the Los Angeles Lakers and scoring a career-high 31 points against the Golden State Warriors.
Andrew has high hopes for his NBA career and his future with the Pacers. He wants to help the Pacers make the playoffs and contend for a championship. He also wants to represent Canada in international competitions and inspire the next generation of Canadian basketball players.
Conclusion
Ryan and Andrew Nembhard are brothers who share a love for basketball and a talent for the game. They have both achieved remarkable success in their respective levels of play and have bright futures ahead of them. They are also proud Canadians who want to make their country proud on the global stage. They are truly an inspiring story of Canadian basketball brothers.
