The overall confidence in directing an offense from the lead guard looked even more impressive at the start of the Day 2 scrimmage of the NBA Draft Combine in Chicago. Gonzaga’s Ryan Nembhard has been one of the biggest stock risers at the event.
In his second start for Team Williams, Nembhard came out the gates hot during the 5-on-5 scrimmage. Before the first TV timeout, the lead guard already had six points on 2-for-2 three-pointers, four assists, three rebounds, and a steal in his first six minutes of play. He was displaying his vision, generosity when trying to get his teammates involved, and an above average feel for the game of basketball.
Canadian Ryan Nembhard completely controlling the second scrimmage today at the NBA Draft Combine.
Already has 6 points, 3 rebounds and 4 assists in the first 5 minutes of play. pic.twitter.com/zpmq7sbrcT
— Libaan Osman (@libaanstar1) May 15, 2025
What was exciting to see displayed from the experienced leader during the second scrimmage was his willingness to become a better defender at the next level. It seemed as if Nembhard was more focused on showing more his improvements on the defensive side of the ball with fighting through screens, closing and boxing out defenders.
On the offensive end, even his improved ability to stretch out the floor as perimeter threat. Comparing his days with Creighton to Gonzaga, a difference is noticed in his shot selection and consistency to hit from deep.
“I think it’s just an opportunity to show everyone what you can do in a 5-on-5 setting. You can show some things that maybe you haven’t shown at your college. And I think it’s just a good opportunity for people to show what they can bring to a team.” – Ryan Nembhard via Scott Agness of Fieldhouse Files
He may be undersized at 6-0, but Nembhard will do everything in his power to outhustle and outmuscle his competition. As you can see in the first clip, he’s sizing up a much larger Dink Pate of the NBA G-League’s Mexico City Capitanes, who stands 6-8 and weighs at 210 pounds.
Ryan Nembhard is just a good basketball player, man.
Made as big an impact on winning in these scrimmages as anyone despite being the smallest out there. pic.twitter.com/NJ2YUEOhtu
— Keandre Ashley (@HoopIntelllect) May 15, 2025
In the 83-80 loss for Team Williams, Nembhard finished with six points on 2-3 three-pointers, five assists to two turnovers, three rebounds, and a steal in a mere 15 minutes.
Next in the draft process comes the individual team workouts and interviews. Nembhard should be hearing from franchises with a late second round pick like the Indiana Pacers (54th overall pick), Los Angeles Lakers (55th overall pick), Memphis Grizzlies (56th overall pick), Orlando Magic (57th overall pick).
From what was seen through over the last week at the both the NBA G-League Elite Camp and NBA Combine, he could step into the league as a back-up point guard as soon as next season. The NBA Draft will be held at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn on Wednesday, June 25th (first round) through Thursday, 26th (second round).
Arden Cravalho is a Gonzaga University graduate from the Bay Area… Follow him on Twitter @a_cravalho
