“I wanted to be an NBA player since I was three years old, literally. I had a delusional confidence about myself that I just knew I was going to play in the NBA,” Nembhard once said. It was something he and his father had worked towards since he was a child. But he was still anxious before his NBA draft, despite having the seal of approval of a top executive. “Just a winning player. That’s what we’re trying to add to this organization: as many talented players [as possible] that are about winning. Andrew fits that to a T,” said Indiana Pacers GM after seeing Andrew Nembhard before the 2022 NBA Draft.

And then it happened: with the 31st overall pick, the Indiana Pacers drafted Andrew Nembhard. This wasn’t just his dreams coming true. It was vindication for both him and his father! So let’s take a look at what made Andrew Nembhard who he is today.

Where is Andrew Nembhard from? What’s the Pacers star’s nationality and ethnicity? 

Andrew’s journey to NBA began in the cold town of Aurora, Ontario. He recalls practicing nonstop on the same hoop in his driveway. But he treated it well, even changing the net every year. He learned this tireless discipline from his father, Claude Nembhard, whom he affectionately called, “Pops”.

“I’d wake up in the summer and my Pops would be shooting out there,” Nembhard recalled. “If I heard a ball bouncing, I’d just go outside and shoot forever,” he recalls. Claude is now the Basketball Chief Executive Officer of Ontario.

His dad has strong ties to the Canadian basketball scene. So does Nembhard. And they’re both proud citizens of Canada! Unfortunately, we don’t know much about their ethnicity or roots. Even so, we can still gain a deeper understanding of Nembhard’s journey by looking back at his college days.

Which college did Andrew Nembhard attend?

Andrew Nembhard ended his career as a Gonzaga, something his brother Ryan Nembhard also plans to do. However, Andrew’s days as a college baller began at the University of Florida. He played for two seasons there. But it was at Gonzaga that he was really able to brandish his abilities.

After transferring to Gonzaga for his junior and senior years, Andrew set the world on fire. He averaged 10.5 points and 5.1 assists per game in his time at Gonzaga. But the stats aren’t important. As a point guard, Andrew’s style helped open up plays for his teammates. Simply put, Nembhard made the players around him better as the point guard for the Gonzaga Bulldogs.

And once his college career was over, Andrew decided to head to UCLA to work under the renowned trainer, Ross McMains. And Ross was blown away by the young Nembhard: “I’ve been running pre-draft workouts for over a decade. Andrew’s the highest IQ player that I’ve ever come across at this stage of his career.”

And don’t think Andrew Nembhard’s dreams ended when the Indiana Pacers came calling in 2022. No, he had much loftier ambitions. Ambitions of representing his country and winning trophies for his countrymen.

Has Andrew Nembhard played for the Canadian national team?

Andrew Nembhard came achingly close to achieving his dream of winning accolades with his country in 2023. This happened in the 2023 FIBA World Cup where Canada finished third, behind Germany, and Serbia. And it was at the prior FIBA WC that Nembhard burst onto the scene for Canada. He was instrumental in helping Canada win their group that year.

His international experience has been incredibly valuable to his growth. Both, as a player and a person. And as of 2024, he’s an Olympian!

Well, we can’t end the talk of Andrew’s journey without finding out if he believes in the divine. Let’s see what we’re working with.

Is Andrew Nembhard religious?

As public figures, a lot of athletes choose to keep their personal lives and belief systems private. This may very well be the case for Andrew Nembhard. As it stands, there is no information available on what religion the Pacers star believes in.

But we do know some things he believes in. Things like hard work, perseverance, and an unwavering belief in himself.