Late-season NBA basketball often transforms into a laboratory for the unexpected. For teams already eliminated from playoff contention, the final weeks of the schedule serve as a high-stakes audition for the fringes of the roster, turning obscure names into overnight talking points.
That was the narrative in Milwaukee on April 1, when the Bucks fell 119-113 to the Houston Rockets. While the loss was a formality in the standings, it provided a glimpse into a potential future. A scrappy unit of reserves pushed a playoff-bound Rockets team to the limit, led by a sudden, explosive offensive performance from an unfamiliar face: Cormac Ryan.
Ryan, a guard who has spent the majority of the season in the shadows, scored 25 points on 9-of-14 shooting. His efficiency was the story of the night, as he connected on 4-of-7 attempts from beyond the arc and displayed a level of confidence that included scoring directly over Rockets star Kevin Durant.
For many fans, the performance prompted a singular question: Who is Cormac Ryan, and how did he identify his way to the Fiserv Forum?
The scenic route to the NBA
At 27 years old, the New York native does not fit the mold of the typical NBA rookie. Standing 6-foot-5, Ryan’s path to the professional ranks was a winding journey through some of the most prestigious programs in college basketball. His collegiate career was a tour of the United States, with stints at Stanford, Notre Dame, and finally the University of North Carolina.
Despite his pedigree, Ryan went undrafted in 2024. He initially sought his footing with the Oklahoma City Thunder, spending a year with the organization’s G-League affiliate. But, it was his move to the Milwaukee Bucks’ system that finally unlocked his professional potential. After signing with the Bucks in the summer and making a handful of preseason appearances, Ryan was assigned to the Wisconsin Herd.
It was in the G-League where Ryan became impossible to ignore, averaging 20.4 points per game for the Herd. His ability to stretch the floor as a high-volume three-point shooter eventually earned him a two-way contract in February 2026, granting him the flexibility to move between the minor league and the main roster.
| Stage | Organization/School | Key Detail |
|---|---|---|
| College (Early) | Stanford / Notre Dame | Developed as a perimeter threat |
| College (Final) | UNC | Completed NCAA career in 2024 |
| Pro Entry | OKC Thunder | Undrafted free agent (2024) |
| Breakout | Wisconsin Herd | Averaged 20.4 PPG |
| Current | Milwaukee Bucks | Two-way contract (2026) |
A history of big moments
While the 25-point outburst against Houston may be his first major NBA moment, Ryan has a documented history of performing when the lights are brightest. His collegiate career was highlighted by a signature performance in the 2022 NCAA Tournament.
Playing for Notre Dame as an 11th seed, Ryan scored 29 points in a stunning first-round upset of Alabama, leading the Irish to a 78-64 victory. That run was made possible by a dramatic sequence in the First Four, where teammate Paul Atkinson Jr. Hit a layup with 1.4 seconds remaining to edge out Rutgers. The connection ran deeper than just teammates; Atkinson had previously played at Yale, where he was teammates with Cormac’s older brother, Thomas Ryan.
This penchant for timely scoring carried over into his professional debut. On March 19, Ryan checked into a game against the Utah Jazz during the fourth quarter. In a sequence that felt scripted for a highlight reel, he recorded his first NBA points with a three-pointer just 11 seconds after stepping onto the court.
What Which means for the Bucks
For a Milwaukee team currently eliminated from playoff contention, the emergence of a reliable perimeter threat is a silver lining. Ryan has appeared in only five games for the Bucks—all of which resulted in losses—but his shooting efficiency suggests he can provide critical spacing for the starting lineup.
The challenge for Ryan now is consistency. Moving from a G-League scoring leader to a rotation player in the NBA requires an adjustment in role and defensive discipline. However, by scoring on a perennial All-Star like Kevin Durant and maintaining a high shooting percentage, Ryan has made a compelling case for a permanent spot on the roster.
As the 2025-26 season draws to a close, the Bucks’ front office will likely evaluate whether Ryan’s late-season surge is a flash in the pan or a sign of a player who simply needed the right environment to thrive. The next official checkpoint will be the conclusion of the regular season, followed by the team’s end-of-year roster evaluations and the upcoming draft cycle.
Do you think Cormac Ryan has earned a full-time spot in the Bucks’ rotation? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
