The highly anticipated signing of Cormac Ryan, the former UNC basketball wing, by the Oklahoma City Thunder has ignited excitement among fans and analysts. Despite the unlikelihood of securing a spot on an NBA roster next season, the 25-year-old athlete, who spent six years between Stanford, Notre Dame, and the Tar Heels, is poised to showcase his skills with the Thunder this summer.
In a significant development, the Oklahoma City Thunder has entered into an agreement with the 6-foot-5, 195-pound Ryan, securing his participation in the Salt Lake City Summer League from July 8-10, followed by the NBA 2K25 Summer League in Las Vegas from July 12-22. This opportunity provides Ryan with a platform to impress and potentially land a spot with the Thunder’s G League affiliate, the Oklahoma City Blue, to commence his professional career.
Notably, Ryan’s former UNC basketball teammate, center Armando Bacot, who recently signed an Exhibit 10 deal, will be representing the Utah Jazz, one of Thunder’s opponents in the upcoming Salt Lake City Summer League. This sets the stage for a thrilling reunion on the court as Ryan and Bacot may find themselves facing off on opposing sides.
During his tenure as a full-time starter for the Tar Heels under the leadership of coach Hubert Davis, Cormac Ryan showcased an impressive performance, averaging 11.5 points and 2.8 rebounds per game. His shooting prowess was evident as he maintained a 35.4 percent success rate from beyond the arc and an impressive 87.4 percent accuracy at the free-throw line. One of his most memorable moments as a Tar Heel was during the team’s victory over archrivals Duke, where Ryan delivered an outstanding performance, securing 31 points and sinking six 3-pointers with remarkable efficiency.
This meaningful move by the Oklahoma City Thunder signifies a major milestone in Cormac Ryan’s basketball career, and fans are eagerly anticipating his performance in the upcoming summer leagues. With his exceptional skill set and proven track record, Ryan is poised to make a lasting impression and carve his path in the professional basketball arena. We look forward to witnessing his journey and celebrating his accomplishments as he continues to excel in his sporting career.