Matt Ryan: A Rising Star in the NBA
From Iona Prep to the New Orleans Pelicans
Matthew Richard Ryan, born April 17, 1997, is an American professional basketball player currently playing for the New Orleans Pelicans in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Standing 6 feet 6 inches (198 cm) tall and weighing 215 pounds (97 kg), Ryan is a forward with impressive athleticism and shooting skills.
High School and College Career
Ryan began his basketball career at Iona Preparatory School in New Rochelle, New York. As a high school senior, he averaged 21.9 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game. Ryan's exceptional performance earned him a place on the All-New York State First Team and the All-Section 1 Player of the Year award.
After graduating from high school, Ryan attended the University of Notre Dame, where he played for the Fighting Irish men's basketball team. During his college career, he showcased his versatile offensive abilities, averaging 14.2 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game. Ryan was named to the All-ACC Honorable Mention team three times.
NBA Journey
Following his impressive college career, Ryan went undrafted in the 2019 NBA Draft. However, he earned a two-way contract with the New Orleans Pelicans, allowing him to split time between the Pelicans and their NBA G League affiliate, the Erie BayHawks. In his first season with the Pelicans, Ryan made a limited impact, appearing in only 17 games.
Despite his limited playing time, Ryan continued to work hard and develop his skills. In the 2020-21 season, he impressed the Pelicans' coaching staff with his improved defense and three-point shooting. Ryan earned a spot in the Pelicans' regular rotation and played in 59 games, averaging 5.1 points and 2.1 rebounds per game.
Recent Success and Contract
During the 2021-22 season, Ryan took a significant step forward in his NBA career. He started 64 games for the Pelicans and averaged 8.4 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game. Ryan's consistent shooting, particularly from beyond the arc, became a valuable asset for the Pelicans. His impressive performances earned him a standard NBA contract from the team.
Ryan's journey from an undrafted rookie to a key contributor on a playoff team is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and determination. He continues to develop his game and is expected to play a significant role for the New Orleans Pelicans in the years to come.
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