Showdown of Emerging Basketball Talent
The January 2021 showdown between Montverde Academy and IMG Academy was a showcase of emerging basketball talent, featuring a roster filled with future stars. Montverde’s lineup boasted Jalen Duren, projected to be a lottery pick in the NBA, along with promising players like Dariq Whitehead and Caleb Houstan. On the opposing side, IMG featured potential lottery picks Jarace Walker and Jett Howard, supported by current Charlotte Hornets center Moussa Diabaté.
Coach’s Reflection and Nembhard’s Impact
Montverde’s veteran coach, Kevin Boyle, reflected on the magnitude of the game, stating:
“Between us and IMG, we had like nine guys in the top 50. But in my opinion, the best player on the court that day was Ryan Nembhard, who wasn’t ranked at the time.”
Nembhard, hailing from Aurora, Canada, proved Boyle’s point by contributing significantly with 10 points, five rebounds, and four assists in Montverde’s narrow 55-51 victory, which was part of their stellar 24-1 season record.
Nembhard’s Journey and Challenges
After a two-year stint at Creighton, Nembhard moved to Gonzaga, where he shone as a senior, leading the nation with a remarkable assist average while breaking West Coast Conference records with 181 assists during conference play. His impressive performance included almost four assists for every turnover, showcasing his efficient playstyle. Despite his talent, Nembhard faced challenges due to his height, standing at just 5 feet 11 inches without shoes, which limited his draft prospects.
Signing with the Mavericks
In June, Nembhard signed a two-way contract with the Dallas Mavericks after going undrafted. His appearance at the NBA Summer League revealed his consistency and skill set, where he averaged 11.3 points and 6.7 assists across three games. Nembhard reflected on his stature in the guard-heavy league by saying:
“I deal with my size every day. I am who I am. I just need to focus on seizing this opportunity.”
He diligently studies other shorter guards like Chris Paul and Kyle Lowry, and admires the tenacity of Jose Alvarado, who is known for his aggressive defensive style. However, the player who has truly inspired him is his own brother. Andrew Nembhard, selected 31st overall by the Indiana Pacers in the 2022 NBA Draft, has become a key player for a Pacers team that recently made a deep playoff run.
Family Pride and Coach’s Insights
Ryan attended Game 7 of the NBA Finals, witnessing the Pacers’ near victory against the Oklahoma City Thunder, despite the tough loss of teammate Tyrese Haliburton. He expressed pride in his brother’s performance, underscoring the Pacers’ resilience in the series.
Kevin Boyle, who coached both brothers at Montverde, emphasized their basketball intelligence, warning teams not to underestimate Andrew before his draft and extending similar sentiments regarding Ryan this year. He noted that both brothers are exceptional decision-makers on the court.
Summer League Performance and Future Prospects
In a recent Summer League match against the Los Angeles Lakers, Nembhard demonstrated his court awareness by effectively managing both on and off the ball, leading to an impressive 21 points on 8-of-14 shooting along with five assists. However, he experienced shooting struggles in the following match. Yet, he rebounded well in another matchup against the Charlotte Hornets, scoring 11 points and dishing out eight assists.
Josh Broghamer, an assistant coach for the Mavericks, praised Nembhard’s basketball IQ, stating:
“He possesses an incredible understanding of the game, always positioning players where they need to be and anticipating defensive reactions well ahead of time.”
Though the road ahead in the NBA appears challenging due to his height, Nembhard’s sharp basketball mind could carve out a significant role in the league. With Kyrie Irving set for an extended recovery from an ACL injury, the Mavericks have brought in D’Angelo Russell as their starting point guard. Nembhard, along with Dante Exum and Brandon Williams, could vie for a backup role as he continues to develop in the league.
