TORONTO – As the 2025 NBA Draft approaches, all eyes are on Ryan Nembhard—the sharp-minded, pass-first point guard from Aurora, Ontario, who led all of NCAA Division I in assists this past season. Now, the Gonzaga standout is set to become the next GTA-born player to reach the NBA, following in the footsteps of his older brother, Andrew Nembhard of the Indiana Pacers.
🏀 A Breakout Senior Season at Gonzaga
In his senior year with the Bulldogs, Nembhard averaged 10.5 points, 9.8 assists, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.7 steals per game over 35 starts. His 3.9:1 assist-to-turnover ratio and elite basketball IQ helped guide Gonzaga to another NCAA Tournament berth, cementing his reputation as one of the nation’s most efficient playmakers.
Scouts praised his composure, leadership, and ability to orchestrate an offense. He ranked in the 86th percentile for pick-and-roll ball-handling and posted a 41.5% assist rate, making him the top assist producer in college basketball this year.
🎓 A GTA Story with Global Reach
Born and raised in Aurora, Ryan honed his early skills in the Greater Toronto Area before heading to Montverde Academy in Florida, one of the top basketball prep schools in the world. His steady rise through the NCAA ranks has made him a role model for aspiring Canadian hoopers—proof that a strong work ethic and team-first mindset can open doors on the world stage.
Basketball runs in the family. Ryan’s older brother Andrew starred at Florida and Gonzaga before being drafted by the Pacers in 2022. Now, Ryan is poised to write his own story.
🔍 Draft Watch: June 25, 2025
Nembhard has impressed scouts at the G League Elite Camp and NBA Draft Combine, where he reportedly shot over 73% in combine drills and stood out for his poise in scrimmages. Most draft projections have him going in the late second round, with teams like the Cavaliers, Celtics, and Suns among those reportedly showing interest.
With the 2025 NBA Draft set to begin this week, Ryan Nembhard could soon be the latest Canadian to join the league—and the latest athlete from the GTA to shine on basketball’s biggest stage.
For his hometown pride, elite playmaking, and professional-ready leadership, Ryan Nembhard is this week’s GTA Weekly Rising Star Watch pick.
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