DALLAS, Texas – A Gonzaga legend, Ryan Nembhard dazzled his way through college, breaking records through his phenomenal two seasons in Spokane under Mark Few.
“Everything that Gonzaga was able to prepare me for this next level has been huge, and it’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made and I’m a Zag for life, and I love watching those guys this year,” Nembhard said. “So, it’s been a lot of fun.”
After the 2024-25 season, the NBA Draft passed over Ryan, but one franchise believed in the small, shifty guard: the Dallas Mavericks, who picked up Ryan as an undrafted free agent.
“They showed the most love, as well as just point guard depth at the time,” Nembhard said. “So, I feel like I could have a good chance at cracking the roster and getting an opportunity over here.”
Ryan is far from the first Zag to take an opportunity at the league, joining guys like Chet Holmgren and Rui Hachimura, plus his own brother, Andrew, who made an NBA Finals appearance for the Indiana Pacers this summer.
“Both being in the league is special, a dream of ours since we were little kids, and being able to share some things about the game, and new things that are different at the NBA level has been fun,” Nembhard said.
As Ryan worked through the offseason, he eventually had a shot, breaking out this December.
“I’ve always had this confidence in myself, and it goes to your work,” Nembhard said. “I put so much work in, and spend so much time to be able to have the confidence that I have.”
He had a historic performance at Denver: 28 points, 10 assists, no turnovers. He’s the first undrafted rookie in history with those numbers in a game.
“No one’s really going to see what your own vision is for yourself, but if you continue with the work and put in the work, then I knew this was a possibility, eventually,” Nembhard said.
“Guys love playing with him, and he’s taking shots that present themselves,” Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd said. “But he’s playing the game at a very high level and playing the game the right way.”
Ryan works to improve his game, continuing to learn and grow alongside number one overall pick Cooper Flagg.
“He’s a young kid, he’s 18,” Nembhard said. “He’s playing basketball at a high level, and we have a great relationship so far.”
Now the former Zag still checks in on his old buddies, a team well on their way to another big season, much to Ryan’s excitement.
“Super, super happy,” Nembhard said. “It’s been fun to watch those guys, man. I think they could do some big things this year.”
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