Andrew Nembhard’s Pacers’ Journey Paves the Way for Brother Ryan’s Dream

Andrew Nembhard and Ryan Nembhard (Image source: Getty image)
Andrew Nembhard’s journey to professional basketball began with a successful college career playing for the Gonzaga Bulldogs. After two impressive seasons, his dream came true when the Indiana Pacers drafted him. This significant step marked a backstage for his brother Ryan Nembhard.

Ryan was born three years after Andrew. The younger Nembhard has also followed in his brother’s footsteps, joining the Bulldogs and pursuing his own basketball dreams.

His family’s support, particularly his elder brother Andrew, has been invaluable to Ryan. “He gave me something to look at before I got involved in all of this,” Ryan said.

Andrew’s family has played a crucial role in his success. He is the son of Claude and Mary Nembhard, who have been incredibly supportive of his basketball career. The supportive environment created by his parents played a significant role in nurturing his talent and helping him reach the NBA.

While Ryan is still working towards his professional basketball dreams, Andrew has already secured his future in the NBA. Andrew signed a four-year, $8.6 million contract with the Indiana Pacers.

Andrew Nembhard’s Basketball Legacy before the NBA

Nembhard’s college journey began at the University of Florida, where he made an immediate impact as a freshman. That season, he averaged 8.0 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game, earning him a spot on the SEC All-Freshman team.

Andrew Nembhard (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
In his sophomore season, Nembhard averaged 11.2 points, 5.6 assists, and 3.0 rebounds per game, leading the SEC with a 2.2 assist-to-turnover ratio. He later declared his intention to transfer to Gonzaga, where he won the WCC Sixth Man of the Year title in 2021. He averaged 11.8 points, 5.8 assists, and 1.6 steals per game in his senior season, earning him the first-team All-WCC.

Nembhard led Montverde Academy to a high school national championship at the Geico Nationals tournament during his high school career. He was arguably regarded as the best passer in the 2018 recruiting class.