Andrew Nembhard doesn’t get NBA Combine invite, future still uncertain

Florida basketball’s Andrew Nembhard is now staring at an uncertain future after not being invited to the NBA Combine.

Andrew Nembhard had a stellar freshman campaign with the Gators this season, thanks to his ability to facilitate the offense and make the right pass (3rd in SEC total assists). He played a crucial role in the Gator’s success this season, showing ability to handle the big moment, knocking down countless clutch shots during crunch time and down the stretch at the end of the season, when the Gators were fighting for a spot in the NCAA tournament.

Nembhard’s shot in the SEC tournament to eliminate LSU will live on in Gator fans’ hearts for years to come. On April 12, the Gator’s All-Freshman guard announced he would be entering his name into the NBA draft pool. Although he is eligible to be drafted, he did not hire an agent, meaning he is allowed to return to the Florida Gators next season if he so desires.

The NBA G League Elite Camp took place on May 13, 2019, where Andrew Nembhard participated along with approximately eighty others trying to gain exposure, and capture the eyes of scouts as the NBA draft season rolls around.

The 6-foot-5 guard out of Ontario, Canada competed in a couple scrimmages where his box scores stats may not have appeared to be the most impressive (2-7 FG, 5 PTS).  However, he did catch the eyes of several onlookers who did note his ability to move the ball efficiently and effectively. Nembhard totaled five assists in the two contests and also displayed his defensive tenacity by tallying three steals in one game.

Unfortunately, it was not enough to get an invite to the NBA combine. The players who did advance are listed below:

Terence Davis (Ole Miss)
Dewan Hernandez (Miami)
Oshae Brissett (Syracuse)
Reggie Perry (Mississippi State)
DaQuan Jeffries (Tulane)
Tyler Cook (Iowa)
Jared Harper (Auburn)
Marial Shayok (Iowa State)
Tacko Fall (Central Florida)
Cody Martin (Nevada)
Terance Mann (Florida State)

Despite not being invited to the NBA combine, Nembhard’s hustle and smart plays did not go unnoticed. Sports Illustrated writer, Peter Woo tweeted:

Nembhard will continue to turn more heads his way as the draft approaches, and he continues to meet with teams and go through the draft process. Should Nembhard go undrafted, he would have the choice of signing as an undrafted free agent with a team, joining the G-League, or returning to college for his sophomore season.

In the offseason, Coach White was able to recruit a promising point guard in McDonald’s All-American Tre Mann, and the return of Nembhard would only add to the offensive potential that next year offers. In addition to the return of sharpshooter Noah Locke, as well as the arrival of Mann’s McDonald’s All-American counterpart, Scottie Lewis, the Gators could be a dangerous team offensively come next season.

As the draft quickly approaches, Nembhard continues to do private workouts and interviews with teams. It is unlikely that Nembhard’s future will be decided until after the draft, meaning that Gator fans must wait several weeks before finding out Nembhard’s official decision.