What does it take to raise not one, but two elite-level point guards? Is it genetics, relentless practice, or perhaps an unwavering family support system? For Andrew Nembhard, the Indiana Pacers’ rising star, and his younger brother Ryan, a standout at Gonzaga University, the answer lies in the foundational pillars set by their parents, Claude Nembhard and Mary Nembhard. In a country where hockey reigns supreme, the Nembhards quietly built a basketball dynasty. One gym session, one road trip, and one sacrifice at a time.

Who is Andrew Nembhard’s father, Claude?

Claude Nembhard didn’t raise basketball players by accident. He built them day by day, drill by drill, long before anyone was watching.

Born in Jamaica and raised in Canada, he played college ball at York and Ryerson. He wasn’t just athletic he was cerebral. A pass-first guard who valued decisions over dunks. That same mindset became the foundation of his parenting style. When Andrew was barely a toddler, Claude bought him a plastic Fisher-Price hoop. Most parents might’ve shrugged it off as a toy. He saw a classroom. The rim was barely four feet off the ground, but he taught Andrew how to square his feet and follow through.

By age three, Andrew was already running with five-year-olds. Claude wasn’t pushing him to be the best—he was teaching him how to love the game. “Composure over chaos,” the father would say. He never screamed from the sidelines. Never played the overbearing dad. But he didn’t miss a moment, either.

He coached Andrew’s early teams. Not because he had to. Because he wanted to. Because being present was the priority. Claude made things simple: Be smart. Be steady. And always remember, it’s a team game. Years later, when Andrew was drafted into the NBA, Claude didn’t cry. Didn’t gloat. He just nodded and said, “Now it starts.”

Claude now serves as CEO of Ontario Basketball. He’s the one designing pipelines now setting up youth development programs, scouting grassroots talent, lobbying for infrastructure. “My kids have been blessed to be around the best… That is what I want to bring to Ontario Basketball:” That’s Claude: a coach, a father, and now, a builder of futures. But, along with him, there was also a lady, supporting in every time he does, his wife, Mary.

Who is Andrew Nembhard’s mother, Mary?

Mary Nembhard isn’t loud. You don’t see her on the sidelines yelling or on social media sharing highlights. But she’s there. Always.

She was the scheduler, the planner, the calming voice when the gym lights turned off and tempers ran hot. Every road trip had a Mary checklist—snacks, uniforms, water bottles, books. Not just mom duties lifelines. She kept the chaos orderly. While Claude was on the court diagramming plays, Mary was in the background holding everything together.

But don’t mistake quiet for passive. Mary played ball, too. She knew the game. She just chose to let her sons shine. Her focus wasn’t form or footwork—it was character. She emphasized grace, humility, and gratitude. “No matter how high you go,” she’d tell Andrew and Ryan, “you treat people the same.”

Andrew has said often: his mom shaped how he sees the world. She made sure school came first, even when basketball tried to take the spotlight. She taught him to smile when he lost and to shake hands when he won. During AAU weekends, while Claude was in a different city with Ryan, Mary would drive hours to make Andrew’s games, never once complaining.

She did the 5 a.m. wakeups. She sat through the 0-point games. She bought the protein shakes and the notebooks for film study. Not for the applause. For her boys. Even now, when Andrew calls home, she’s the one asking, “Are you sleeping enough?” Not “Did you score?” That’s Mary: quiet, consistent, and the reason the house never cracked. Now that we know about his parents, let’s get to know about his siblings.

Who are Andrew Nembhard’s siblings?

Andrew Nembhard is the older brother. He led the way. But Ryan Nembhard didn’t just follow, he kept pace. They grew up in Aurora, Ontario, where basketball was everywhere: in the driveway, in the basement, and especially in the gym with their father, Claude. Claude often ran 2-on-1 games—he and Andrew vs. Ryan. It wasn’t fair, and that was the point. It made Ryan tougher.

Andrew was controlled, calculating. Ryan was energy and instinct. They pushed each other. Ryan knew early that if he wanted to compete, he had to earn it. When Andrew left for Montverde Academy in Florida, Ryan watched. Studied. Learned. Then he made it there himself. Different year, same school but Ryan wore jersey number 0. A quiet way of saying: I’m not just Andrew’s brother.

Ryan helped Montverde win a national prep title. Then he starred at Creighton, where he was named Big East Freshman of the Year. Now, he’s a key player at Gonzaga, just like Andrew once was.

They still talk constantly. FaceTime before games. Break down each other’s film. Claude once said, “They study each other more than they study themselves.” Andrew texts him notes tighten your handle, lift your release never criticize, just care. It’s what big brothers do. Now, Andrew runs the point in Indiana. Ryan runs it in Spokane. Their careers are different. Their bond isn’t. It’s not rivalry. It’s legacy.