Former Florida, Gonzaga guard Andrew Nembhard picked by Indiana Pacers in 2022 NBA Draft
Former Florida Gators and Gonzaga Bulldogs guard Andrew Nembhard was selected No. 31 overall in the 2022 NBA Draft on Thursday Night.
At No. 31, he was the first pick in the second round. He was the second of the Pacers’ three picks alongside Arizona small forward Benedict Mathurin (No. 6 overall) and French professional point guard Hugo Besson (No. 58 overall), who was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks for cash.
Nembhard started all 67 of his games for the Gators, leading former UF head coach Mike White’s team to a second-round appearance in the 2019 NCAA Tournament. In his time at Florida, Nembhard averaged 9.5 points, 5.5 assists and 1.1 steals while shooting 42.8% from field goal range.
Following the 2019-20 season, Nembhard entered the transfer portal and chose to finish off his final seasons of eligibility at Gonzaga.
With the Bulldogs, he averaged 10.5 points, 5.1 assists and 1.3 steals with a 46.4% mark from the field. He helped the Bulldogs reach the national championship game in the 2020-21 season with a Sweet Sixteen appearance in this past season’s NCAA Tournament. Gonzaga was the top overall seed in each of the last two NCAA Tournaments.
The 6-foot-5, 193-pound point guard declared for this year’s NBA Draft on April 21.
What the Pacers are getting in Nembhard
Although it is unlikely that Nembhard will get the chance to start right away, he can certainly have a positive impact on the Pacers coming off the bench.
In his four collegiate seasons, he showed that he can run the floor with ease while playing as a true point guard. He can score from all three levels on the offensive end and has showcased his passing ability, being able to utilize each of his four teammates.
One thing that will surely have to pick up for Nembhard is his speed. The NBA is at a much faster pace than college basketball for obvious reasons, and he’ll have to adjust his play style.
He is a hard-nosed defender and his 6-foot-5 frame gives him a great advantage while going up against some of the NBA’s best point guards.
Stay tuned to Gators Online.
