After competing in the 2025 Summer League for the Milwaukee Bucks, Cormac Ryan chose to remain in Wisconsin by joining the Wisconsin Herd, their G League affiliate. Ryan described his key contributions to the Herd ahead of the season, emphasizing his identity as a strong shooter and defensive competitor who brings energy and leadership to his team. His goal was clear: to help the Herd win games and prove his value at both the G League and NBA levels. Now, Ryan has been rewarded with an NBA opportunity to bring those skills back to the Bucks.
Exceeding Expectations: Ryan’s Impact on the Herd
Cormac Ryan fulfilled his promises and went beyond, becoming a critical player for Wisconsin this season. He averaged 21.5 points, 4.7 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 1.6 steals per game, while connecting on 44.2 percent of his three-point attempts. Many anticipated potential after his Summer League performance, but his consistent scoring and growth as a facilitator and defender truly stood out. Ryan transformed into a reliable two-way shooting guard, combining shooting prowess with defensive instincts.
Beyond statistics, Ryan’s 27 years of experience gave him an edge. Unlike many younger prospects, he used his well-rounded background to provide leadership during crucial moments and to mentor teammates. Recognizing this, the Milwaukee Bucks filled their open two-way contract slot with Ryan, promoting him internally and strengthening their wing depth.
Navigating NBA Challenges: What Lies Ahead for Ryan
Milwaukee’s backcourt features a solid shooting guard rotation including Cam Thomas, Gary Harris, and Gary Trent Jr., making immediate minutes hard for Ryan to earn. His debut NBA season will likely focus on acclimating to the league’s speed and physicality. By demonstrating the same qualities that propelled his success with the Herd—scoring, defense, and leadership—Ryan could position himself as a long-term contributor.
Looking ahead to the offseason, the Bucks could see turnover among their shooting guard options, as Thomas, Harris, Trent, and Andre Jackson Jr. all approach free agency. This opens a potential window for Ryan, who is already integrated within the organization and familiar with its culture. Patience and continued growth will be essential for him to capitalize on this opportunity and earn meaningful playing time moving forward.
The Bucks’ investment in Ryan reflects a larger trend of leveraging G League excellence to reinforce NBA rosters, making him a player to watch as the current season progresses and beyond.
“Continue being a shot-maker. That’s what I do. I shoot the ball at a high level. I compete defensively. I bring a lot of energy and leadership to the group. Bringing all that here to the Herd and helping us compete and win games, just continuing to showcase what I can do well and why I can impact the team at this level but also at the NBA level as well.”
— Cormac Ryan, Milwaukee Bucks wing
