Ryan Nembhard: NBA| Brother| Height| And Andrew Nembhard

Introduction

Ryan Nembhard is one of the most talked-about young point guards entering the NBA in 2025. A Canadian standout, he combines elite playmaking with a scrappy, determined style — all while navigating the inevitable comparisons to his older brother, Andrew Nembhard. In this article, we’ll explore Ryan’s background, his height and physical profile, his connection to Andrew, and what lies ahead as he looks to carve his own path in the league.

Early Life & Background

• Ryan was born on March 10, 2003, in Aurora, Ontario, Canada.

• He grew up in a family where basketball was more than just a hobby — their father, Claude Nembhard, played a big role in encouraging the sport, often running drills and games with his sons.

• From childhood driveway sessions to basement drills and gym workouts, Ryan and Andrew pushed each other, building a competitive but supportive relationship early on.

This foundation — tough love, consistent work, and sibling rivalry — laid the groundwork for both brothers’ basketball careers.

High School & College Journey

• Ryan attended renowned prep school Montverde Academy in Florida, the same school that produced numerous NBA talents.

• Originally part of the 2022 recruiting class, he reclassified to 2021 — accelerating his path to college.

• As a senior at Montverde, he helped lead the team to the 2021 GEICO High School Basketball Nationals title. In that championship game, he delivered a strong stat line, earning MVP honors.

Collegiate Career

• Freshman & Sophomore (Creighton Bluejays): Ryan debuted with a bang — in his first college game, he recorded a double-double (15 points, 10 assists). He finished his freshman season averaging 11.3 points, 4.4 assists, 3.1 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game, earning Big East Freshman of the Year honors. In his sophomore season, he improved to 12.1 points and 4.8 assists per game.

• Junior & Senior (Gonzaga Bulldogs): After transferring, Ryan’s development soared. As a junior, he averaged 12.6 points and 6.9 assists per game. In his senior year (2024–25), he emerged as arguably the top passer in college basketball — posting a staggering 9.8 assists per game, with 10.5 points and 1.7 steals per contest. His playmaking, court vision, and leadership helped solidify his reputation among scouts.

By the end of his college career, Ryan had transformed himself into a floor general capable of orchestrating an offense — even if his scoring wasn’t always eye-popping.

Physical Profile: Height, Weight & What It Means

• Ryan Nembhard stands at 5 feet 11 inches (180 cm) and weighs around 180 lbs (82 kg).

• In a league where size, wingspan, and athleticism often dominate — especially at guard — a 5’11″ point guard is not typical. This size has been cited as a reason he went undrafted in 2025, despite impressive college stats.

• Yet, Ryan’s skill set — court vision, decision-making, pace control, pick-and-roll mastery — speaks to a different kind of value: the classic “floor general.” Scouts and analysts often compare him to pass-first guards like Tyus Jones or T.J. McConnell — players who rely more on brains than brawn.

So while his frame may be considered a limitation, his mental acuity and playmaking instincts give him a shot at carving out an NBA role — especially if he continues to refine his shooting and defense.

NBA Entry — Two-Way Deal & Early Pro Career

• After going undrafted in the 2025 NBA Draft, Ryan signed a two-way contract with Dallas Mavericks — splitting time between Dallas and the G League affiliate, the Texas Legends.

• This arrangement allows him to hone his skills, adapt to professional competition, and — potentially — earn a full roster spot if he proves his value.

• Early preseason and Summer League performances have shown flashes of his passing brilliance, but size and scoring concerns remain key challenges.

Given the modern NBA’s emphasis on versatility and two-way guards, Ryan will likely need to continue working on shooting consistency and defensive tenacity. Yet his floor vision and leadership — rare even among higher-profile prospects — give him a real chance, especially in a system that values ball movement and playmaking.

Relationship with Andrew Nembhard: Brother, Mentor, Benchmark

• Yes — Ryan and Andrew are brothers. Ryan is the younger sibling.

• Andrew currently plays for the Indiana Pacers, after being drafted 31st overall in 2022.

• Growing up together in Aurora, Ontario, their early basketball experiences were intertwined: driveway games, basement drills, and competitive sibling matchups driven by their father.

• Andrew — being older and more physically developed — often led the way, but Ryan learned by observing and emulating, forging a deep bond rooted in mutual respect, competitiveness, and shared ambition.

This connection is more than familial; it’s a literal blueprint. Many scouts and analysts view Ryan as following in Andrew’s footsteps — but with his own style: a more traditional, pass-first, cerebral point guard rather than a scoring-heavy guard.

Strengths, Challenges & NBA Outlook

Strengths

• Elite playmaking & vision: Leading the entire NCAA in assists (9.8 per game in 2024–25) is a testament to his ability to read the floor, anticipate movement, and make precise decisions.

• Floor general instincts: He manages pace, orchestrates pick-and-rolls, and knows how to control an offense — traits that translate well to pro basketball.

• Basketball IQ and leadership: Raised in a polished basketball environment with an older brother already in the NBA, Ryan brings maturity, resilience, and a grounded mentality.

Challenges

• Size: At 5’11”, 180 lbs, he’s undersized by NBA standards. That has been a significant factor in why he went undrafted.

• Scoring and shooting consistency: While his passing and court vision stand out, he’ll likely need to prove he can keep up scoring-wise — especially against larger, more athletic defenders.

• Defense & physicality: NBA guards are often expected to do more than handle and pass — defense, switching, and physical matchups matter. His size could pose limitations here.

Outlook

If Ryan can maximize his strengths — passing, decision-making, leadership — and incrementally improve shooting and defense, there’s every chance he becomes a valuable backup or role-player guard in the NBA. His story matters: a 5’11” Canadian guard earning a two-way deal, following his brother — and trying to prove that in a league obsessed with size, playmaking still counts.

The path won’t be easy, but for now, Ryan has the tools and the support system to make it work.

FAQ

Q1: Are Ryan Nembhard and Andrew Nembhard brothers?
Yes. Ryan is the younger brother of Andrew Nembhard.

Q2: What is Ryan Nembhard’s height and weight?
He is listed at 5′11″ (180 cm) and weighs around 180 lbs (82 kg).

Q3: For which NBA team does Ryan Nembhard play?
As of 2025, Ryan is under a two-way contract with the Dallas Mavericks, which means he could split time with the Texas Legends (their G-League affiliate).

Q4: Why did Ryan go undrafted despite strong college credentials?
Most analysts point to his size as a limiting factor — at 5′11″, he’s considered undersized by NBA guard standards. While his passing and floor game are excellent, concerns remain about his scoring, defense, and ability to compete physically at the pro level.

Q5: What are Ryan Nembhard’s main strengths and weaknesses?
His strengths: elite playmaking, court vision, decision-making, leadership, and basketball IQ. His weaknesses: lack of size, scoring consistency, outside shooting, and potential defensive limitations.

Q6: Could Ryan Nembhard become better than Andrew Nembhard?
It’s possible, but not guaranteed. While Ryan’s style is different — more of a pass-first, traditional point guard — much will depend on how he adjusts to the NBA: whether he develops his scoring, shooting, and defense. Many experts caution size may limit his upside.

Conclusion

Ryan Nembhard’s ascent — from Aurora, Ontario to Montverde Academy, Creighton, Gonzaga, and now a two-way deal with the Dallas Mavericks — is more than just another young guard chasing an NBA dream. It’s a testament to hard work, family, and the enduring value of playmaking and basketball IQ in a league increasingly dominated by physical attributes.

At 5′11″, Ryan doesn’t fit the typical NBA guard mold. But if history — and his brother’s journey — teach us anything, it’s that heart, grit, and vision can sometimes outshine pure athleticism. If he keeps improving his shooting, defensively holds his own, and leverages his elite passing, Ryan could prove that in today’s NBA — size isn’t everything.

As he continues his professional career, all eyes will be on how he adapts to the speed, physicality, and demands of the NBA. And for basketball fans — especially those rooting for Canadian talent — his journey will be one to watch.