From Gonzaga Greatness to NBA Glory: Ryan Nembhard’s Unstoppable Rise
Here’s a story that’ll make you believe in the power of self-belief and hard work: former Gonzaga star Ryan Nembhard is proving that sometimes, the road less traveled leads to the brightest destinations. After dominating college basketball under the guidance of Mark Few, Nembhard is now turning heads in the NBA, showcasing the skills and confidence that made him a legend in Spokane.
But here’s where it gets controversial... While the NBA Draft overlooked him after the 2024-25 season, the Dallas Mavericks saw something special in the undersized yet lightning-quick guard. As an undrafted free agent, Nembhard seized his chance, proving that sometimes, talent and determination trump draft status. ‘They showed the most love,’ Nembhard said of the Mavericks. ‘I felt like I had a real shot at cracking the roster and making an impact.’
Nembhard’s journey isn’t just his own—it’s a family affair. Joining the ranks of Gonzaga greats like Chet Holmgren and Rui Hachimura, he’s also following in the footsteps of his brother, Andrew, who made waves in the NBA Finals with the Indiana Pacers. ‘Sharing this dream with my brother has been incredible,’ Nembhard shared. ‘We’ve always talked about this since we were kids, and now we’re living it.’
And this is the part most people miss... Nembhard’s breakout moment came in December, when he delivered a historic performance against Denver: 28 points, 10 assists, and zero turnovers. That’s right—he became the first undrafted rookie in NBA history to achieve those numbers in a single game. ‘I’ve always believed in myself,’ he said. ‘It’s all about the work you put in. I knew if I stayed consistent, this moment was possible.’
Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd couldn’t agree more. ‘Guys love playing with him,’ Kidd noted. ‘He’s not just taking shots—he’s playing the game the right way, at a high level.’ Nembhard’s humility and work ethic have made him a standout, even as he continues to learn and grow alongside top talent like number one pick Cooper Flagg. ‘He’s just 18, but he’s already playing at such a high level,’ Nembhard said of Flagg. ‘We’ve got a great relationship, and I’m excited to see where we both go.’
Despite his NBA success, Nembhard hasn’t forgotten his roots. He still keeps tabs on his former Gonzaga teammates, who are poised for another stellar season. ‘I’m super proud of those guys,’ he said. ‘They’re going to do big things this year, and I’m here for it.’
Here’s the thought-provoking question for you: Does Ryan Nembhard’s undrafted success challenge the way we view the NBA Draft process? Or is his story simply a testament to the power of perseverance? Let us know in the comments—we’d love to hear your take on this rising star’s journey.
