The nation's assist leader Ryan Nembhard from Gonzaga is the featured guest on this week's edition of the WCC POINTS IN THE PAINT men's basketball podcast with hosts Sean Farnham and Dave Flemming. 

Flemming and Farnham begin the show discussing WCC Commissioner Stu Jackson's statement on the future of collegiate athletics.

Statement from WCC Commissioner Stu Jackson on the future of NCAA governance:
"Assessing the numerous changes in college athletics and their effects, it appears the autonomy four conferences are seizing more decision-making power. It's vital for the basketball-focused leaders, and a broader group of stakes-holding decision makers across college sports to build engaged and properly weighted representation as we look forward for basketball and Olympic sports in the wake of these discussions. The future of college athletics and the opportunities for the larger pool of student-athletes requires a diverse collaboration of representation focused on the greater good. Opportunities should not be commandeered by a few to dilute the fairest benefit to all."

Timestamps are listed below for efficient viewing:

1:10 - On the future of collegiate athletics
"It's power and money, that's what's driving it, instead of these academic institutions that are offering life-changing education and life-changing experience to become the best version of yourself." - Sean Farnham

11:30 - Ryan Nembhard joins the show

12:40 - On what playing for Mark Few is like

13:11 - On playing a lot of minutes

14:20 - On Gonzaga's lineup changes last week
"We needed a change, and we always have trust in our guys one through ten. This creates more competition, more guys who want to compete to get on the court. We have some great scorers off the bench. It's a good thing for us." - Ryan Nembhard
 
15:05 - On the Gonzaga defense
"We had some players-only meetings earlier in the year, just real talk, super honest and truthful, whether guy's feelings are getting hurt or not. But we're at the point now, we're done talking about it. We've had meetings and talks, but at this point, we have to go out every day, compete on the floor and try to make each other better." - Ryan Nembhard

16:50 - On being a candidate for the Bob Cousy Award
"It's a blessing. I think it's a testament to my work. I work so hard, I love the game so much and I pour everything I got into the game. I'm blessed to a be a part of that list with probably a bunch of other great point guards. Credit to my teammates too. I can't do it without them." - Ryan Nembhard

18:00 - On the atmosphere when Gonzaga plays Saint Mary's

21:15 - Looking at Saint Mary's

22:25 - On the strong play last week by Oregon State and Michael Rataj

25:50 - Breaking Down Gonzaga

28:35 - Previewing Gonzaga vs. Saint Mary's
"I see it being the loudest environment in college basketball this weekend. The guards are going to dictate the game. That's going to be the difference maker in the game. The tempo will not change, we know that. I expect an all-out emotional brawl on the court, back and forth, great plays, physical plays. The standard of this rivalry has been unbelievable games in that environment." - Sean Farnham

To watch the complete episode, click here.  
 
Full episodes of both the WCC POINTS IN THE PAINT Men's Basketball Podcast and Women's Basketball Podcast will be available on the WCC's YouTube channel, as well as Apple and Spotify podcasts. Fans can also find clips of each show on the WCC basketball X account, @WCChoops, as well as the Conference's Facebook, Instagram and TikTok channels and @WCCsports with links to the full episode.