2021 NBA Draft Profile

RJ

Nembhard

Position
G
Height/Weight
6-5 / 195 lbs
School/Club
TCU
Country
USA
Status
Senior
Birthday
03/02/1999
Draft 2021

About RJ Nembhard

Nembhard was born March 22, 1999 in Keller, Texas. His father, Ruben, played one season in the NBA. Afterward, he became a trainer and skills development coach. Nembhard’s sister, Jayden, plays volleyball for Kansas State. Nembhard initially played football growing up, but he started playing basketball at age 10. As a junior at Keller High School, he averaged 21 points per game and was named District 5-6A MVP. As a senior, he averaged 25.7 points, 6.5 rebounds and 3.2 assists and was named Star-Telegram Super Team Player of the Year and District 3-6A MVP.

He was a four-star recruit and committed to playing at TCU. He redshirted his first season due to limited playing time and a knee injury. The following season, 2018-19, he appeared in 36 games (eight starts) and averaged 4.4 points and 2.1 rebounds in 17.2 minutes. He saw his playing time increase during his sophomore season, with Nembhard averaging 12.1 points, 3.8 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.0 steals in 32.1 minutes. Nembhard again saw a role increase as a junior, and along with it came accolades. In 35.0 minutes per game, he averaged 15.7 points, 4.3 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 1.1 steals. He started in all 24 of his appearances. He hit 1.5 threes per game at a 33.9 percent clip. He was named Big 12 Player of the Week for 12/14/2020. He was also voted to the All-Big 12 Third Team and NABC All-District (8) Second Team.

His collegiate career highs were set at 31 points, eight rebounds (twice), nine assists (three times), three steals (five times), two blocks (four times) and six threes. Nembhard arguably had the best game of his career on Dec. 9, 2020 against Providence. In 39 minutes, he recorded 25 points (11-17 FG, 3-5 3Pt, 0-1 FT), seven rebounds, seven assists and one steal.

— Profile by RotoWire