Canada's Ryan Nembhard breaking basketball records at Gonzaga with next chapter ahead

Ryan Nembhard makes things happen. For Gonzaga. For his teammates. For the record books.

As one of the top playmakers in U.S. college men's basketball, the Bulldogs' senior point guard has led the nation in assists while controlling the tempo, creating open looks, and keeping the offence in rhythm.

And as the season has gone on, he's been making history himself.

During Gonzaga's Feb. 8 victory over the Pacific Tigers, Nembhard recorded his 244th assist of the season, breaking his own school record for most assists in a single season — in just 25 games, 10 fewer than it took him to set the record last year. He now stands alone as the only player in Gonzaga history to record multiple 200-assist seasons in a career.

Even John Stockton, the Hall of Famer and NBA's all-time assist leader, never accomplished that in his four-year at Gonzaga.

"It's cool to see my name in the record books," Nembhard told CBC Sports.

"But I don't really think about that too much. My job is to put my teammates in the best position to succeed."

After Gonzaga's 52-point blowout win over Pepperdine last Saturday, the 21-year-old point guard was named West Coast Conference (WCC) Player of the Week, following a stretch where he contributed 24 points and 23 assists across two victories.

Nembhard currently leads the nation in assists per game (10.0) and is just 14 assists away from breaking the WCC single-season assist record (284), set by Emmett Naar in 2019.

But when asked the Aurora, Ont., native about the record, his response was simple.

"I have no idea. I'm not worried about that record. It'll come if it comes, but I definitely want to get some more wins."

Nembhard's focus isn't on numbers, it's on winning and continuing to elevate his game. That mentality has been evident in his work ethic and leadership, two areas where his growth has been undeniable. His leadership has evolved entering his second and final season with the Bulldogs, something that started taking shape after Gonzaga's Sweet 16 loss to Purdue last season.

Gonzaga assistant coach Stephen Gentry told CBC Sports that Nembhard's shift began after last year's Sweet 16 loss to Purdue.

"After that loss, Ryan [Nembhard] was the one who spoke up in the locker room," Gentry recalled.

"That was the moment we really challenged him to be more vocal. He's always led by example, but now he's learning to bring his teammates along with him."

For Nembhard, that shift wasn't just about taking on more responsibility, it was about making the most of his final college season.

"I think I've always been trying to be a leader," says Nembhard, "but I understand that it's my last go-around. It's my last year of college hoops, and I don't want to have any regrets when it's all said and done."

"My pop always tells me, 'Don't have no regrets when the years are over.' So I'm just trying to make this year the fullest of what I can do, and try and make it my best year."

Nembhard has recorded 11 double-doubles so far this season, ranking 14th in Division I across the country, and has dished out 10 or more assists in 16 of 27 games, all while helping Gonzaga win seven of its past eight contests.

That success hasn't come by accident. Nembhard's impact starts long before tip-off, in the work he puts in every day.

"Ryan is our biggest gym rat. He's our biggest film junkie," Gentry said.

"He's a terrific leader in terms of example, with his work ethic and habits. That's why he's taken his game to another level this year."

While Nembhard's rise has been impressive, it's not entirely unfamiliar. His older brother, Indiana Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard, had a remarkably similar path.

Both are pass-first point guards, known for their high basketball IQ, ability to elevate teammates, and both studied Montverde Academy, a high school that's widely known for its athletic programs, particularly soccer and basketball.

Both played two years at another college before transferring to Gonzaga to finish their college careers. Ryan spent his first two years at Creighton before making the move to the Bulldogs. While their paths have been strikingly similar, Ryan's journey has always been his own.

"If he [Andrew] goes somewhere and it's a good situation for him, why not I go do the same thing if it worked out for him?" Ryan said.

"But at the end of the day, we're different players. I just want to be the best version of myself."

Growing up, he and Andrew spent countless hours playing and competing together, which helped shape Ryan's mentality and toughness right now.

Now, as the six-foot Bulldogs guard nears the end of his college career, the possibility of joining Team Canada's senior men's squad alongside Andrew is becoming more real. If it happens, they would be the first pair of brothers to represent Canada basketball together since Thomas and Philip Scrubb.

"That's definitely something we've talked about," Ryan said.

"It would be amazing to travel, compete, and represent our country together."

Proudly Representing Canada

Playing for Canada has always been a point of pride for Nembhard. He's already suited up for the national team at the U16 and U19 levels, winning bronze at the 2021 FIBA U19 World Cup alongside Canadian NBA talents like Zach Edey, Bennedict Mathurin, and Caleb Houstan.

"It's always special when you can put your country's flag on your chest and represent something bigger than you," he said.

"If that day comes where I can play on the senior team, I'd love to do it."

Looking back, that U19 tournament remains one of the most memorable moments of Nembhard's international career.

"Winning that bronze medal at U19 was huge."

For now, Nembhard has not declared for the NBA draft, but the Canadian isn't looking too far ahead. With March Madness approaching, he's focused on making every game count for Gonzaga and will make that decision when the time is right.

"Right now, I'm just locked in on winning games," he said.

"I'm not looking too far ahead. When the time comes, I'll sit down with my family and figure out what's best for me."

But whether it's competing for a national championship, representing Canada's senior team, or making the leap to the NBA, Nembhard's next chapter is coming.