The 2025 NBA Draft is fast approaching, and two Canadian prospects, Ryan Nembhard and Will Riley, are generating buzz. While both are eager to make their mark in the league, their journeys to the NBA and the obstacles they face are distinctly different. Nembhard, the younger brother of Indiana Pacers standout Andrew Nembhard, hopes his playmaking skills can overcome concerns about his height. Riley, a promising wing from the University of Illinois, aims to prove his physical readiness for the rigors of the NBA. This article delves into the unique challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for these two talented Canadians as they pursue their NBA dreams.
Ryan Nembhard: Overcoming the Height Hurdle
Ryan Nembhard’s journey to the NBA has been heavily influenced by his brother Andrew’s success. NBA teams recognize the shared traits of high basketball IQ and competitive drive honed in their Aurora, Ontario driveway battles. Andrew’s impressive performance with the Pacers has undoubtedly opened doors for Ryan, showcasing the Nembhard family’s basketball prowess. The playoffs highlighted TJ McConnell’s role, proving smaller players can thrive in the NBA.
Nembhard boasts an impressive college career, leading the NCAA in assists with 344 in 35 games while playing for Gonzaga. However, Nembhard’s height, measured at five-foot-11 at the NBA Draft Combine, remains a significant concern. In the past season, only a handful of players under six feet tall played significant minutes in the NBA. While McConnell’s success offers hope, he’s more an exception than the rule.
Nembhard remains confident in his abilities, stating, “I am who I am, man. You can either take me or not. I feel like I have the heart and the will, and (I’ve) done it at every level I’ve been at, regardless of size. I don’t see why that would stop now.” Despite the height concerns, his numerous pre-draft workouts suggest considerable NBA interest. He aims to replicate his brother’s success, who has blossomed into a key player for the Pacers after being a second-round pick.
Andrew Nembhard’s Influence and Ryan’s Combine Performance
Andrew Nembhard consistently encourages his brother to compete and demonstrate his commitment to winning. Ryan excelled during the NBA Combine scrimmages, showcasing his playmaking skills and scoring ability. Despite feeling he should have been invited to the main combine from the start, he used the G-League combine as motivation. Across two scrimmages, he posted 21 points, 14 assists, and 5 steals, while shooting an efficient 57% from the field.
Stephen Gentry, assistant coach at Gonzaga, praised Nembhard’s basketball IQ, stating, “He’s got the best feel and the best mind in the draft. And I think that showed itself during our season, that showed itself in the G league combine and in the NBA combine where there’s some guys that stand out for the wrong reasons. They just don’t know how to play basketball, and Ryan does.” Nembhard’s ability to control the flow of the game was evident during the scrimmages, further solidifying his reputation as a high-level playmaker.
Will Riley: Building Physical Strength for the NBA
While Nembhard navigates concerns about his height, Will Riley faces a different set of challenges. NBA scouts are intrigued by Riley’s six-foot-nine frame and guard skills. During his time at the University of Illinois, Riley averaged 12.1 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 2.3 assists in the competitive Big 10 conference. He is currently projected to be picked in the later half of the first round.
The primary concern surrounding Riley is his physical strength and whether he can withstand the demands of the NBA. Riley acknowledges this, stating, “I just feel like I have to work on my physicality right now. Just adding a little more weight, which I’m capable of doing because at Illinois I came in at like, 170 and left at 190, so that’s probably the main thing I gotta do to translate to the NBA.”
The NBA’s physicality is unmatched, and Riley recognizes that skill alone isn’t enough. Players who lack the necessary strength and balance often struggle to compete against stronger defenders. Although another college season might have aided his physical development, Riley embraces the challenge of turning professional after just one season with Illinois.
Riley’s Mindset and Influences
Riley welcomes challenges, stating, “I love facing adversity, I feel like that’s what makes me be me. Just getting over those humps.” The NBA has invited him to attend the draft in person, indicating he’s likely to be a first-round selection. Although he doesn’t have an older brother in the NBA, he maintains close ties with Portland Trail Blazers guard Shaedon Sharpe, a fellow London, Ontario native. He also benefits from the guidance of Dwayne Washington, founder of Uplay, the AAU program that produced NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Riley sees similarities between his game and Gilgeous-Alexander’s, noting, “I feel like we have a similar game style. We both have very unique ways of scoring, being able to change pace. I feel like I take a lot of my game from him.”
Conclusion: Two Paths, One Goal
Ryan Nembhard and Will Riley represent two distinct paths to the NBA. Nembhard’s exceptional playmaking and basketball IQ are contrasted by concerns about his size, while Riley’s impressive physical attributes are tempered by questions about his strength. Both players possess the drive and determination to overcome these challenges and carve out successful NBA careers.
As the NBA Draft approaches, both Ryan Nembhard and Will Riley stand on the cusp of achieving their lifelong dreams. Their stories highlight the diverse challenges faced by young athletes striving to reach the pinnacle of professional basketball, each hoping to add their name to the growing list of successful Canadian players in the NBA.
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