Cormac Ryan's journey from Notre Dame standout to the NBA has reached an exciting new chapter. The former Irish shooting guard, known for his leadership and sharp shooting, has officially joined the Milwaukee Bucks on a two-way contract. This allows him to split his time between the Bucks and their G League affiliate, the Wisconsin Herd, for the remainder of the season.
Ryan, standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 205 pounds, has been making waves in the G League. Before his promotion, he was averaging an impressive 21.5 points per game, shooting .491 from the field and .442 from beyond the arc. His performance caught the attention of the Bucks, and he was on their roster for Friday’s game against the New York Knicks.
Ryan's path to the NBA wasn't straightforward. After going undrafted, he spent time in the G League, including a stint with the OKC Blue, where he averaged 12.3 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 2.0 assists.
His college career was equally diverse, with stops at Stanford, Notre Dame, and North Carolina. At Notre Dame, he became one of only three three-time team captains in the program's history, leaving a lasting legacy with 163 three-pointers and 207 assists over 102 games.
Two standout performances at Notre Dame solidified Ryan's reputation. In a fan-less game at Duke on Feb. 9, 2021, he scored 28 points, leading the Irish to a rare victory at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Another memorable game came during the 2022 NCAA Tournament, where he scored 29 points against Alabama, showcasing his clutch shooting ability.
Joining Ryan in the NBA are fellow former Irish guards Pat Connaughton and Blake Wesley. Connaughton, now with Charlotte, had a notable seven-season run with Milwaukee, highlighted by a career-high 43-point game. Meanwhile, Wesley, drafted by the San Antonio Spurs in 2022, is making strides with Portland after recovering from an injury.
Ryan's story is one of perseverance and hard work, a testament to his dedication and skill. As he takes this next step with the Bucks, fans and followers of Notre Dame basketball will be eagerly watching his progress, hopeful that his journey continues to inspire.