Throughout the 2024-25 season, Babcock Hoops will provide comprehensive scouting reports on top 2025 NBA Draft prospects, analyzing their strengths, questions, and potential at the next level. Our reports offer an in-depth look at each player's development and draft outlook.
Ryan Nembhard
Position: Guard
School: Gonzaga
Class: Senior
Height/Weight: 6'0", 180 lbs
Birthdate: March 10, 2003
Previous School: Creighton
High School: Montverde Academy (FL)
Player Overview
Ryan Nembhard is a dynamic point guard whose playmaking and decision-making set him apart. Known for his speed, creativity, and high basketball IQ, Nembhard excels as a pick-and-roll initiator, consistently making smart reads and delivering accurate passes. His quick processing speed allows him to exploit defenses by finding the roll man, kicking out to shooters, or creating opportunities for himself.
Offensively, Nembhard is a crafty finisher with a soft touch around the rim, capable of scoring over larger defenders. However, his outside shooting remains inconsistent, and his scoring efficiency dips when asked to take on a higher volume. Defensively, he is a pesky on-ball defender with strong instincts in help defense, frequently generating steals. His lack of size and defensive versatility limits his impact against more physical or taller opponents.
To secure a long-term role in the NBA, Nembhard must refine his shooting consistency and demonstrate that his size won’t be a significant hindrance. His skill set and basketball IQ make him a strong candidate for a backup point guard role with upside for more.
"Despite his lack of size, there’s no denying that Nembhard is a talented playmaker who consistently makes things happen on the court." — Matt Babcock, NBA Draft Analyst
Strengths
Elite Playmaking: Exceptional vision and quick decision-making in pick-and-roll situations.
Speed and Fluidity: Uses speed and creative change of pace to lose defenders.
Crafty Finishing: Soft touch around the rim and the ability to score over bigger players.
Defensive Instincts: Pesky on-ball defender with excellent help defense reads, frequently generating steals.
High Basketball IQ: Processes the game quickly and rarely makes the wrong play.
Concerns
Size: At 6'0", his lack of size limits his defensive versatility and ability to guard bigger players.
Shooting Consistency: Streaky scorer, particularly from three-point range, with limited efficiency on increased volume.
Offensive Versatility: Struggles to consistently create scoring opportunities when defenses key in on him.
Questions
Does Nembhard’s lack of size allow him to translate effectively to the NBA?
Will he become a consistent outside shooter, especially on higher volume?
Are his defensive instincts impactful enough to compensate for his physical limitations?
Bottom Line
Ryan Nembhard’s playmaking, high basketball IQ, and speed make him a relevant prospect. While his size and shooting consistency present challenges, his ability to control the game and create opportunities for teammates positions him as a potential NBA player. With continued improvement in his outside shooting and defensive impact, Nembhard could carve out a meaningful and sustainable professional career.
Stay ahead of the game! Check out the Babcock Hoops 2025 NBA Draft Big Board to discover the top-ranked prospects and their potential draft positions.