What motivated LJ Cryer to transfer to Houston after his time at Baylor? How has his leadership impacted the Houston Cougars during the NCAA Tournament? In what ways does playing for a national championship now differ from his previous experience in 2021? Can Cryer become the first player to win NCAA titles at two different schools, and what significance does that hold for him?
LJ Cryer knows the thrill that comes only with winning a national championship from his time as a spot-duty freshman at Baylor. He could make history with a second title, and maybe savor the moment a little more, too. Cryer is playing his fifth college season as the leading scorer for Houston, which faces Florida for the NCAA title. A win would make Cryer the first player to win titles at two schools, though this time without the COVID-19 backdrop of 2021. “That definitely would be special,” Cryer said, roughly 18 hours after the Cougars rallied to stun Duke in the semifinals. “You’ve got to go out there and take it from them, because at the end of the day, it’s not going to be given to us.” Cryer is one of three players to take the court on college basketball’s biggest stage at the Alamodome with Final Four experience from another school. Duke’s Mason Gillis was one after helping Purdue reach last year’s NCAA final, while Florida guard Alijah Martin was part of Florida Atlantic’s semifinalist in 2023.
But Cryer’s Bears actually hoisted the trophy, a path that included a Final Four rout of Houston and future teammate J’Wan Roberts. The only downer was the fact he played just eight minutes through three NCAA games, two coming against the Cougars and then one with victory assured in the finale against Gonzaga. “I did get to sit there and see what it takes to win those type of games,” Cryer said. The 6-foot-1 senior went on to play two more seasons at Baylor before moving to Houston, a Lone Star State transfer with Cryer looking for a different fit and offensive role. Averaging a team-best 15.6 points, Cryer has come through with two big performances in the NCAA Tournament so far, first with 30 points in a tight second-round battle against Gonzaga. Then came the win over the Blue Devils, with Cryer scoring 26 points and hitting six 3-pointers — with several of those coming as Houston tried desperately to hang around.
“Our best leader, so LJ helps us get through hard times,” Houston forward Joseph Tugler said. “So I know (if) I got LJ, I’ve got nothing to worry about.” Houston coach Kelvin Sampson said the Cougars recruited Cryer as an instate prospect out of Katy, describing him as a “bucket-getter in high school” who had thrived despite being a small guard. Perhaps that had him prepared to test a Duke team that had every player in its primary rotation standing 6-5 or taller, too. “Our best player, the guy that kept us in the game, was LJ,” Sampson said. “He kept us in touch with them. So when the time came, we had an opportunity to get the lead down where we could put some game pressure on them. LJ was the guy.”
Regardless of the outcome, Cryer at least will get the full experience of playing for the national championship. That 2021 run came amid constant COVID-19 testing, limited crowds and hotel sequestration — leaving Sampson to say anyone in that Indianapolis bubble “got cheated out of the experience.” “We had to stand in line to get tested before every time we went outside the building to come in,” Sampson said. “It felt like we were going out to the yard in prison because they took us over to (a minor-league baseball stadium) to let us run around on the grass.
“Somebody had the great idea of: ‘Go get a football or horseshoes or something.’ What do you want us to do? Look around and see how we can break out of this place? That was a different time.” Cryer recalls those days well. “We stayed in that one spot the whole time in that hotel,” he said. “We weren’t able to go outside but for like 30 minutes. We had kind of like recess time. It was a way different experience for sure.” But everything is different now, down to Cryer’s leading role as he goes for title No. 2. And it seems likely others will have the chance to accomplish what Cryer is trying to do in a time of freer player movement through the transfer portal. “If someone else wins, I would hope they stay,” Cryer said with a chuckle. “I hope they stay at the school. I don’t wish anyone to transfer to go win a ring. Hopefully they can stick it out and go win it wherever they’re at.
“It’s definitely cool to make history at two different schools, but if I could’ve done it at the same school, I’d have preferably done it that way. But my journey’s my journey.”
Houston’s LJ Cryer Aims for NCAA Titles as He Faces Florida in Final Showdown
In the competitive world of college basketball, where dreams are pursued with relentless determination and the quest for glory is never-ending, few narratives capture the spirit of ambition and opportunity like that of Houston’s standout guard, LJ Cryer. As the Houston Cougars prepare to take on the Florida Gators in what promises to be an electrifying finale, Cryer is not just focused on securing a victory for his team; he is also seeking a unique achievement that would make him one of the rare players in NCAA history to win championships at two different schools.
Cryer, originally a key player for the Baylor Bears, etched himself into the memories of college basketball fans with his dazzling play and clutch shooting. His time at Baylor was marked by success, culminating with the Bears winning the NCAA Championship in 2021. However, in a twist of fate, then-head coach Scott Drew’s program underwent substantial changes post-title run. As the team evolved, Cryer faced the challenge of redefining his role while battling injuries that hampered his performance in subsequent seasons.
Following his pivotal experience at Baylor, Cryer transferred to the University of Houston, a program known for its fierce competitive spirit and a strong commitment to excellence. At Houston, he found a fertile ground to further hone his skills while also taking on a leadership role. Partnering with head coach Kelvin Sampson, who has gained a reputation for transforming young talents into formidable athletes, Cryer was determined to make his mark once more.
This season has seen LJ Cryer rise to the occasion, demonstrating an impressive scoring ability and leadership qualities that have propelled the Cougars toward the NCAA finals. His season was punctuated by high-scoring games, showcasing his adept shooting ability, which has often drawn comparisons to some of the best guards in college basketball. With the weight of expectations on his shoulders, Cryer effectively combined his past championship experience with newfound lessons learned, positioning himself and his team for another chance at winning it all.
The matchup against Florida has no shortage of drama; it pits the tenacious Cougars against a Gators team that has made waves throughout the tournament. For Cryer, this finale represents not only the culmination of a successful season but also an opportunity to cement his legacy as a player who can achieve greatness at more than one institution. It’s a narrative that resonates deeply in college basketball, where loyalty, competition, and the desire to win often guide the decisions players make throughout their careers.
Cryer’s journey is also emblematic of the modern college athletics landscape, where transfers are becoming increasingly common as players search for the best fit, both on and off the court. They move not just for playing time, but also for the chance to capture championships and enhance their prospects for a professional career. Cryer’s decision to don the Houston jersey reflects a strategic choice that has proven to be particularly rewarding, not just for him, but also for a team that has rallied around his experience and skillset.
As the countdown to the game intensifies, the whispers of potential run through the hallways of college sports galleries. Fans and pundits alike are abuzz with anticipation, speculating about Cryer’s performance and the impact it could have on the Cougars’ chances for victory. The stakes are undeniably high, providing both a thrilling spectacle and a critical learning experience for Cryer and his teammates.
The matchup against Florida will be more than just a test of skill; it will serve as a litmus test for Houston’s grit, their ability to withstand pressure, and their readiness to seize the moment. Cryer has been in these high-stakes situations before, and that experience will be crucial in guiding his team through the turbulence often associated with championship finals.
However, the focus must remain on what is at stake—one last game, one last chance to carve out an indelible mark in the NCAA history books. A victory against Florida would elevate Houston’s program significantly while adding another coveted title to Cryer’s resume, establishing him as a player who has not only touched greatness once but repeatedly embraced opportunities to shine in the spotlight.
For LJ Cryer, this isn’t just another championship game. It’s the realization of hard work, resilience, and the unyielding hope that defines the heart of an athlete. As he takes the court against Florida, the entire basketball community will watch not only to see if he can clinch a second title but also to witness the incredible journey of a player determined to make history. Whether as a Bear or a Cougar, Cryer’s pursuit of glory embodies the relentless spirit of college basketball, reminding us why we celebrate this sport and its extraordinary players.
LJ Cryer, a standout guard for Houston, faces a unique opportunity as he competes in the NCAA championship game against Florida. Having transitioned between programs, his journey has been marked by perseverance and skill. Now, he aims to cement his legacy by securing a title that would not only highlight his personal achievements but also contribute to the success of both teams he has represented. As the game unfolds, the stakes are high, and Cryer’s performance will be pivotal in determining the outcome of this championship showdown.