Nembhard a rising star in the 2019 class

The Montverde Academy basketball program has been built on championship run after championship run, and the same hopes remain on the table this year. While there is no D’Angelo Russell or Ben Simmons leading the program, there still is a bevy of talent at head coach Kevin Boyle’s disposal. One of his star prospects is five-star Andrew Nembhard, a 6-foot-4 lead guard by way of Canada who is one of the best playmakers in all of the land.

Celebrating his 17th birthday at the Hoophall Classic on Monday, Nembhard might have had his best game in a Montverde uniform since transferring into the school this past fall. Nembhard, who brings great size and an elite feel for the game, did more than just create for others or facilitate for his team within its half-court offense. The five-star sophomore knocked down two open perimeter jumpers, finished at the basket (he made all seven of his two-point attempts) and when fouled made it count at the charity stripe.

Nembhard finished with 22 points and was a primary catalyst for his team’s win over a talented and grizzled Bishop Montgomery squad.

“It is exciting, but I just wanted to get the win,” Nembhard said. “I have just been trying to score more for my team, which they need me to do, and I think I can help them in that role. My coach has just been trying to push me to make more plays on the court.”

While Nebhard's recruitment is still in its infant stages, the Canadian does have a few that are pursuing a bit harder compared to others.

“Stanford is a lot; Virginia, Villanova, Oklahoma and Florida,” he said.

In recent months, we have discussed the lacking depth of talent in the 2018 class. On that note, Nebhard boasts impressive grades and could potentially move from the 2019 class to 2018.

“I think it is a bit early for us, but personally I am leaning toward 2018, but I still do need to talk to my dad about that,” Nembhard said. “I have just been talking to some coaches and I have the potential to play early on.”

It would not be all that surprising if Nembhard were to make it official this spring and move into the 2018 class. If he does, he would speed up his college recruitment by a full year and would receive increased college attention as a result. While much will change in the coming months, Nembhard, an elite passer with an unbelievable IQ and feel for the game, looks to be favoring the higher-academic programs for college, as Stanford, Villanova, and Virginia may have a leg up on their counterparts moving ahead.