Busting Brackets
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Gonzaga Basketball: Impact of landing both Ryan Nembhard and Graham Ike

By Tristan Freeman

Feb 18, 2023; Malibu, California, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs head coach Mark Few yells to his team during the first half Pepperdine Waves at Firestone Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 18, 2023; Malibu, California, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs head coach Mark Few yells to his team during the first half Pepperdine Waves at Firestone Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports /
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NCAA Basketball Ryan Nembhard
Creighton Bluejays guard Ryan Nembhard Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports /

Gonzaga Basketball lands Ryan Nembhard

When the starting point guard for Creighton entered the transfer portal, all eyes looked towards the two teams out west that had a prior connection with the family. In the end, Ryan joined the family tradition of transferring over to the Bulldogs with two years left of eligibility.

Nembhard averaged 12.1 ppg and 4.8 apg this past season, shooting 43% from the field and 36% from three-point range. The former Big East Player of the Year racked up 12 assists against Holy Cross and was two assists shy of a triple-double against Xavier. He also had five games of at least 20 points, including a career-high 30 versus Baylor in the NCAA Tournament.

Nembhard was essentially the 5th option on the loaded Bluejays offense and still managed to produce some good stats. So imagine what he’ll do in a new-look Gonzaga lineup where he can be the first or second option? Most importantly, he gives the Bulldogs a lead guard they can be confident in next season.

Nolan Hickman made strives in his first season as a starter but going scoreless in the final two games of the NCAA Tournament won’t cut it. There are many examples of two ball-handlers playing well together at Gonzaga, including Ryan’s brother Andrew Nembhard alongside Jalen Suggs, which nearly went unbeaten in 2020-21.

The Bulldogs have thrived with great guard play in the past and will have that once again for the 2022-23 campaign. And more importantly, the program prevented a regional rival from getting Nembhard.