Cormac Ryan's 'Steady Buckets' Beginnings Set Him on Surreal NBA Journey

The Milwaukee Bucks rookie's path from the Dapolito Rec Center to the Toyota Center has been anything but ordinary.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 1:50am

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An extreme close-up of a basketball player in mid-jump shot, surrounded by a vibrant, expressionist blur of neon colors and rapid brushstrokes, conceptually representing the raw energy and emotion of an underdog athlete competing at the highest level.Cormac Ryan's fearless performance against NBA superstar Kevin Durant showcases the surreal journey of an underdog reaching the pinnacle of professional basketball.New Orleans Today

Cormac Ryan, a rookie with the Milwaukee Bucks, has had an improbable basketball journey that has taken him from playing at the Dapolito Rec Center in New York City to the NBA stage. Despite his success, including a 25-point performance against Kevin Durant and the Houston Rockets, Ryan remains unfazed, having played in high-pressure environments like Cameron Indoor Stadium and the New Orleans Superdome.

Why it matters

Ryan's story is a testament to perseverance and the power of hard work, as he has overcome the odds to reach the NBA. His ability to perform at the highest level against superstar players like Durant showcases his talent and the potential for underdogs to make it big in the league.

The details

In a recent game against the Houston Rockets, Ryan scored 25 points on 9-for-14 shooting, including several 3-pointers with Durant defending him. Despite the high-pressure situation, Ryan remained calm and composed, drawing praise from Durant himself, who felt the need to answer back with some game-clinching baskets and trash talk.

  • Ryan played in Coach K's farewell game at Cameron Indoor Stadium.
  • Ryan played in a couple of Final Four games at the New Orleans Superdome in front of nearly 70,000 fans.

The players

Cormac Ryan

A rookie with the Milwaukee Bucks who has had an improbable basketball journey, playing at the Dapolito Rec Center in New York City before making it to the NBA.

Kevin Durant

A superstar player for the Houston Rockets who faced off against Ryan in a recent game, where Ryan scored 25 points and Durant felt the need to respond with game-clinching baskets and trash talk.

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The takeaway

Cormac Ryan's journey from the Dapolito Rec Center to the NBA stage is a testament to the power of perseverance and hard work. His ability to perform at the highest level against superstars like Kevin Durant shows that underdogs can make it big in the league, inspiring others to never give up on their dreams.