Cormac Ryan's journey from an undrafted hopeful to signing his first NBA contract is a testament to perseverance and talent. After going undrafted in 2024, Ryan has secured a two-way deal with the Milwaukee Bucks, marking a significant milestone in his quest for a full-time NBA career.
Ryan's path has been anything but straightforward. His basketball journey began with a high school career split between two states, followed by a stint at Stanford.
After one season with the Cardinal, he transferred to Notre Dame, where he redshirted his second year and played three more seasons. He capped off his college career at the University of North Carolina, averaging 11.5 points per game and shooting 35% from beyond the arc in his final season.
Despite going undrafted, Ryan's skills caught the eye of the Oklahoma City Thunder, who brought him on for their 2024 NBA Summer League and preseason. Although he didn't make the final roster, Ryan continued to hone his craft with the Thunder's G League affiliate, the OKC Blue, for the 2024-2025 season. His journey then took him to the Wisconsin Herd, the Bucks' G League team.
Ryan has been a standout in the G League, starting all 23 games and averaging 33.5 minutes on the court. His impressive stats-21.5 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game, along with shooting 49% from the field and 44% from three-point range-highlight his potential to contribute at a higher level.
As the Bucks prepare to face the Knicks, it remains to be seen if Ryan will make his debut. Regardless, his trajectory suggests that his hard work and dedication could soon earn him a spot on the main roster. Keep an eye on this rising talent, as his story is one of determination and potential in the making.