Andrew Nembhard, born on January 16, 2000, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, is a professional basketball player currently showcasing his skills for the Indiana Pacers in the NBA. Nembhard’s journey from a young basketball enthusiast in Canada to a rising star in the world’s most prestigious basketball league is a story of determination, talent, and relentless hard work.
Table of Contents
Early Life and High School Career
Nembhard’s basketball journey began in Vaughan, Ontario, where he attended Vaughan Secondary School. His exceptional talent on the court soon caught the attention of scouts and coaches, leading him to transfer to Montverde Academy in Montverde, Florida, a school known for its strong basketball program. At Montverde, Nembhard honed his skills and developed into a top-tier recruit, playing alongside other future NBA talents.
College Career
University of Florida
Nembhard committed to the University of Florida, where he played for the Florida Gators. In his freshman season (2018-2019), Nembhard made an immediate impact by starting every game. He recorded the fourth-highest freshman assist total in the school’s history, averaging 8.0 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game.
His performance earned him a spot on the SEC All-Freshman Team. One of the highlights of his freshman year was hitting a buzzer-beater to upset LSU in the 2019 SEC tournament, showcasing his poise under pressure.
Despite declaring for the 2019 NBA Draft, Nembhard decided to return to Florida for his sophomore season. In his second year, he improved his stats, averaging 11.2 points, 5.6 assists, and 3.0 rebounds per game, leading the SEC with a 2.2 assist-to-turnover ratio.
After another strong season, he declared for the 2020 NBA Draft but retained the option to return to college by hiring an NCAA-certified agent. Eventually, he chose to transfer to Gonzaga University.
Gonzaga University
Nembhard’s decision to transfer to Gonzaga was a pivotal moment in his career. He joined a powerhouse program that provided a platform to further develop his skills. During the 2020-2021 season, Nembhard played a crucial role coming off the bench, averaging 9.2 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game. His efforts earned him the West Coast Conference’s inaugural Sixth Man of the Year award and a spot on the all-conference second team.
In his senior year, Nembhard continued to excel, averaging 11.8 points, 5.8 assists, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.6 steals per game. He was named to the First Team All-WCC and helped Gonzaga maintain their status as one of the top teams in college basketball. After a stellar season, Nembhard declared for the 2022 NBA Draft, forgoing his remaining college eligibility.
NBA Career
Indiana Pacers
Nembhard was selected 31st overall by the Indiana Pacers in the 2022 NBA Draft. Joining the Pacers, he quickly proved his worth during the 2022 NBA Summer League, debuting with five points, five rebounds, and five assists in a win over the Charlotte Hornets. On July 22, 2022, he signed a four-year, $8.6 million rookie contract with the Pacers, the largest rookie contract ever given to a second-round pick at the time.
Nembhard’s rookie season was marked by several standout performances. On November 28, 2022, he scored a buzzer-beating three-pointer to secure a win against the Los Angeles Lakers. A week later, he scored a career-high 31 points, along with 13 assists and 8 rebounds, in a victory over the Golden State Warriors. His impressive play earned him a spot in the 2023 NBA Rising Stars game alongside his teammate Bennedict Mathurin.
Nembhard continued to build on his success throughout the season. In March 2023, he recorded back-to-back 20-point games against the Milwaukee Bucks and the Philadelphia 76ers. On March 22, he notched another double-double with 25 points and 10 assists in a win against the Toronto Raptors.
His ability to perform under pressure was highlighted again on March 28, when he recorded 15 points and a career-high 15 assists as a starter against the Bucks. In a second-round playoff game against the New York Knicks, he hit a game-winning three-pointer, further solidifying his reputation as a clutch player.
National Team Career
In addition to his NBA success, Nembhard has represented Canada in FIBA competition at the U-16, U-17, and U-18 levels. In 2019, he was selected for the senior national team and competed in the FIBA World Cup. His international experience has been instrumental in shaping his game, providing him with opportunities to compete against some of the best players in the world.
Career Statistics
NBA
Nembhard’s NBA statistics reflect his consistent performance and growth as a player:
2022-23 Season: 75 games, 63 starts, 27.6 minutes per game, 44.1% FG, 35.0% 3P, 79.0% FT, 2.7 RPG, 4.5 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.2 BPG, 9.5 PPG.
2023-24 Season: 68 games, 47 starts, 25.0 minutes per game, 49.8% FG, 35.7% 3P, 80.4% FT, 2.1 RPG, 4.1 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.1 BPG, 9.2 PPG.
College
Nembhard’s college career was equally impressive:
Florida (2018-2020): 67 games, 67 starts, 32.9 minutes per game, 42.8% FG, 32.8% 3P, 77.0% FT, 2.9 RPG, 5.5 APG, 1.2 SPG, 0.1 BPG, 9.6 PPG.
Gonzaga (2020-2022): 64 games, 48 starts, 31.1 minutes per game, 46.6% FG, 35.3% 3P, 81.3% FT, 2.9 RPG, 5.1 APG, 1.3 SPG, 0.1 BPG, 10.5 PPG.
Andrew Nembhard Personal Life
Andrew Nembhard is the son of Mary and Claude Nembhard. His younger brother, Ryan, also plays basketball and currently represents Gonzaga, following in his brother’s footsteps. The Nembhard family has a strong basketball pedigree, and their support has been a cornerstone of Andrew’s success.
Conclusion
Andrew Nembhard’s journey from Vaughan, Ontario, to the NBA is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and natural talent. His impressive performances in college and his early success with the Indiana Pacers indicate a promising future ahead.
As he continues to develop and refine his game, Nembhard is poised to become one of the standout players in the NBA, representing Canada on the global stage. Whether hitting clutch shots, dishing out assists, or leading his team to victory, Andrew Nembhard is a name that basketball fans will continue to hear for years to come.
