Five-star Nembhard undecided on 2018 or 2019 class
LOS ANGELES – Five-star guard Andrew Nembhard is still undecided on whether he will be part of the class of 2018 or 2019. One thing is certain — whichever class he chooses, he will be in high demand.
Stanford, Gonzaga and Florida are most involved with the 6-foot-3 Canadian, who has sat out this spring with an upper body injury. He has the option academically to be eligible as a freshman in 2018 or 2019.
“Coaches have been telling me that I am ready to go 2018 and my body is ready,” Nembhard said. “But for 2019, it allows for me to develop my game more and get it to another level. It is kind of up in the air but I think maybe after July I will decide.”
IN HIS OWN WORDS
Nembhard discussed where things stand with each program.
Stanford: “They are just consistent. They talk to me every day. I built a great relationship with Coach (Adam) Cohen. He is cool with my dad. I have built a really good comfort level with them.”
Gonzaga: “They just got involved a couple of weeks ago. They have a great program; they have been going quite far the last few years. They have had a lot of Canadians go there like Kevin Pangos, who I really liked, who had great success. It is a great program.
“It definitely makes me feel comfortable going to a program that has had such great success with Canadians; it would suit me perfectly.”
Florida: “I could come in and play with two point guards there; play a fast style with a lot of ball screens where I could excel and defend. It is a good style of play for mine. It has a great campus with a great atmosphere.”
WHAT'S NEXT
The hope is for Nembhard to get back onto the playing floor in the coming weeks and finish out his junior summer with the UPlay Canada 17-under team.
While selecting a school and the year to attend remains, Nembhard has an idea of what he is looking for.
“Definitely a great relationship with the coach where I feel comfortable and with the playing style that I can fit,” he said. “I would like the chance to play as a freshman.”
RIVALS REACTION
Despite remaining outside of the spotlight this spring, Nembhard remains a priority for some of the more successful programs nationally. Michigan, Ohio State, Oklahoma and Virginia are among the others involved, but it seems as if Stanford could be the favorite thanks to its ability to sell high-level academics and the chance to play in the Pac-12.