Former Gonzaga guard Andrew Nembhard named to NBA Rising Stars team
In this story:
Since he was selected with the 31st overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, Andrew Nembhard's rookie season has transcended what most expect out of a second-round pick.
He signed the richest contract for a second-round pick. A game-winner over LeBron James preceded a 31-point performance against the defending champion Golden State Warriors.
Nembhard's rookie season will now venture to the Rising Stars game, as the Indiana Pacers guard will participate in the All-Star event in Salt Lake City, Utah on Feb. 17.
Nembhard was among the 20 other rookies or sophomores selected, yet was the lone representative from the second-round picks in last season's draft. The pool will be broken up into four groups coached by former NBA players Joakim Noah, Jason Terry, Deron Williams and Pau Gasol.
As one of eight rookies selected, Nembhard is joined by Pacers teammate and the sixth overall pick in the 2022 NBA draft, Benedict Mathurin.
Nembhard is averaging 8.5 points, 4.0 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 1.8 turnovers per game. He's started 34 of 45 games played.
Nembhard had quite the road trips in late November and early December. He knocked down a buzzer-beater over LeBron James in a 116-115 victory against the Lakers on Nov. 28. A week later, his season-high 31 points on 13-for-21 shooting bested Stephen Curry and the Warriors in a 112-104 win.
It marks the fourth consecutive season Gonzaga will be represented in the Rising Stars game. Nembhard joins former Zags Jalen Suggs, Brandon Clarke, Rui Hachimura, Domantas Sabonis, Kelly Olynyk and Adam Morrison to play in the event.
