In basketball, family ties often create some of the most inspiring stories. Think of the Gasol brothers from Spain, the Holiday brothers in the NBA, or even Serena and Venus Williams in tennis
The Nembhard brothers Andrew and Ryan, are the newest names in this legacy of siblings who turned shared passion into professional careers.
While Andrew has already made his mark with the Indiana Pacers, Ryan is just beginning to chase his NBA dreams, signing a two-way contract with the Dallas Mavericks after the 2025 NBA Draft. But their story goes far beyond just stats and scores.
What makes their journey unique is not just their three-year age gap, but also the way their Jamaican-Canadian family heritage shaped their discipline, humility, and love for basketball.
From growing up in Ontario to becoming household names in basketball circles, the Nembhards’ story reflects resilience, culture, and family dedication.
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Table of Contents
Andrew Nembhard’s Early Life
Growing Up in a Basketball Household
The Nembhard brothers were practically destined for the court. Their father, Claude Nembhard, was heavily involved in Canadian basketball.1
He played at York University and Ryerson University before becoming a coach and later the CEO of the Ontario Basketball Association. Their mother, Mary, also played and coached basketball at the community level.
In their household, basketball wasn’t just a sport—it was a lifestyle. Claude and Mary encouraged discipline, education, and hard work alongside sports.
Prizm vibes wit Panini @PaniniAmerica pic.twitter.com/NvJuJeGWkh
— Andrew Nembhard (@AndrewNembhard) February 21, 2023
While Andrew was the first to seriously pursue the game, Ryan followed closely behind, soaking up lessons from both his brother and his parents.
It wasn’t unusual for Andrew and Ryan to wake up early for shooting drills or spend evenings working on ball-handling drills in their driveway.
The support system created by Claude and Mary gave both boys a foundation that many young athletes lack: structure, mentorship, and emotional backing.
The Age Gap Between Andrew and Ryan
The brothers were born three years apart:
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Andrew Nembhard – January 16, 2000
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Ryan Nembhard – March 10, 2003
That three-year difference might not seem huge, but it had a big influence. Andrew was always slightly ahead in experience, and Ryan often tagged along, playing against older kids and being pushed to compete at a higher level.2
In interviews, Ryan has admitted that Andrew’s success created both motivation and pressure. Watching his older brother succeed in college and eventually get drafted meant Ryan had a clear blueprint—but it also meant comparisons were inevitable.
This dynamic fostered both mentorship and sibling rivalry. Andrew often mentored Ryan on maintaining composure during games, while Ryan constantly tried to prove himself against his older brother. Their age gap, therefore, became a source of growth for both.
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Family Ethnicity: Jamaican-Canadian Roots
The Nembhard family story is one of cultural pride. Both Claude and Mary are of Jamaican descent, having migrated from Jamaica to Canada. Growing up in a Jamaican-Canadian household gave Andrew and Ryan a strong sense of identity.3
Jamaican culture is known for its deep sense of discipline, community, and perseverance qualities that shaped the brothers. Food, music, and cultural traditions were important in their household, grounding them in values outside of sports.
Moreover, the broader African roots from their father’s side added another layer of cultural richness. In interviews, the brothers have acknowledged how their heritage keeps them humble and connected, even while navigating the fame of basketball.
Stats Comparison: Andrew vs. Ryan
Here’s a side-by-side look at the brothers’ achievements so far:
| Category | Andrew Nembhard (Born 2000) | Ryan Nembhard (Born 2003) |
|---|---|---|
| Height / Weight | 6’5” / 193 lbs | 6’0” / 170 lbs |
| Position | Point Guard / Shooting Guard | Point Guard |
| College | Florida (2018–2020), Gonzaga (2020–22) | Creighton (2021–2023), Gonzaga (2023–24) |
| NBA Entry | Drafted 2022 (Pacers, 2nd Round, 31st) | Undrafted 2025, signed two-way with Mavs |
| Known For | Court vision, calm playmaking, defense | Assists, quick decision-making, leadership |
| Career Highlight | Pacers playoff starter (2024–25 season) | Led NCAA in assists at Gonzaga (2023–24) |
Andrew’s Journey: From Aurora to the NBA
Andrew was the trailblazer. Born in Aurora, Ontario, he quickly rose through the ranks of Canadian high school basketball.4
After standout performances, he landed a spot at the University of Florida. There, he earned a reputation as a floor general with excellent basketball IQ.
In 2020, he transferred to Gonzaga—a move that elevated his profile. By 2022, he was drafted by the Indiana Pacers. Initially viewed as a backup guard, Andrew exceeded expectations.
By the 2024–25 season, he became a critical piece in Indiana’s playoff run, known for his composure and smart playmaking against tough opponents.
Coaches often describe Andrew as a “calm presence” a player who doesn’t get rattled even in high-pressure situations. His Jamaican-Canadian upbringing, where humility and discipline were emphasized, has played a role in this maturity.
Ryan’s Path: The Younger Brother with Big Shoes to Fill
Ryan’s journey was always going to be measured against Andrew’s. Born in 2003, Ryan attended Creighton University, where he quickly made a name for himself.5
His ability to distribute the ball and create opportunities set him apart. After transferring to Gonzaga in 2023, he led the nation in assists during the 2023–24 season.
Despite these achievements, Ryan went undrafted in 2025. But the Dallas Mavericks recognized his potential, signing him to a two-way contract. For Ryan, this wasn’t a setback—it was motivation.
Unlike Andrew, Ryan is smaller at 6’0”, which often raises questions about his NBA longevity. However, his quickness, leadership, and playmaking have drawn comparisons to smaller guards who carved out long NBA careers.
Jamaican Pride in Canadian Basketball
The rise of the Nembhards highlights the growing impact of Jamaican-Canadian athletes in basketball.6
Canada has recently become a hub of basketball talent, producing stars like Jamal Murray, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and RJ Barrett many of whom share Caribbean roots.
For the Jamaican-Canadian community, Andrew and Ryan represent not only athletic success but also cultural pride.
Their story resonates with families who emphasize education, discipline, and faith while chasing dreams in sports.
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FAQ’s
1. How many years apart are Andrew and Ryan Nembhard?
They are three years apart. Andrew was born in 2000, and Ryan in 2003.
2. Are they full brothers?
Yes, both share the same parents, Claude and Mary Nembhard.
3. What is their ethnicity?
They are Jamaican-Canadian with additional African roots from their father’s side.
4. Which brother is more successful?
As of now, Andrew is more established in the NBA, while Ryan is still beginning his career.7
5. Did Ryan copy Andrew’s playing style?
Partially. Ryan has admitted learning composure and leadership from Andrew but developed his own aggressive playmaking style.
6. Which universities did they attend?
Andrew: Florida and Gonzaga. Ryan: Creighton and Gonzaga.
7. Are their parents athletes too?
Yes. Claude played at York and Ryerson Universities, while Mary also played and coached basketball locally.
8. What contract does Ryan have now?
Ryan signed a two-way contract with the Dallas Mavericks in 2025.
Final Thoughts
The Nembhard brothers’ story is more than basketball it’s about family, culture, and resilience. Their three-year age gap created a unique bond of mentorship and competition.
Their Jamaican-Canadian roots gave them discipline and humility. And their parents’ sacrifices created the foundation for both sons to thrive.
While Andrew is already making waves in the NBA, Ryan’s journey is still unfolding. Regardless of where their careers go, the Nembhard brothers stand as a testament to the power of family and cultural pride in shaping success.
