Homecoming Hero:: Cryer, a Houston native, transferred from Baylor (where he won the 2021 NCAA title) back to the University of Houston.
Leadership Role:: He has stepped up as a key leader for the No. 1 seeded Houston Cougars during their Final Four run.
Historic Quest:: Cryer is attempting to become the first men's player ever to win NCAA Division I championships with two different schools.
Consistent Scorer:: He maintained strong offensive output after transferring, averaging 15.0 ppg at Baylor in his final season there and 15.4 ppg currently at Houston.
Why This Matters:: Cryer's potential achievement adds a significant historical narrative to the Final Four. His journey highlights player movement dynamics in college sports and provides a compelling local storyline for Houston.
L.J. Cryer's passion for basketball was evident from a young age, constantly dribbling around his family home. Supported by his parents, he honed his skills, eventually starring at Katy's Morton Ranch High School before signing with Baylor University.
Cryer was part of the Baylor Bears team that captured the NCAA national championship in 2021. After averaging 15.0 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game in his final season at Baylor (2022-23), he decided to enter the transfer portal and return to his hometown, joining the Houston Cougars.
Trading Baylor green for Cougar red, Cryer embraced a more prominent leadership role in Houston's backcourt. His experience from Baylor's title run is invaluable as he guides Houston through the pressures of the Final Four. His stats remain impressive, averaging 15.4 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game this season. Despite his on-court success, those close to him describe Cryer as humble and even-keeled off the court.
No men's player has won NCAA Division I titles with two different teams. Cryer's pursuit of this milestone makes him a central figure in the 2024 Final Four narrative. Interestingly, the Final Four features another player, Mason Gillis (Purdue, formerly Kentucky), who has reached the Final Four with two different programs, underscoring the rarity of such journeys.
Q: Who is L.J. Cryer?
L.J. Cryer is a star shooting guard for the University of Houston Cougars men's basketball team. He previously played for the Baylor Bears, where he won an NCAA national championship in 2021.
Q: Why is L.J. Cryer's Final Four appearance particularly noteworthy?
He is aiming to become the first men's basketball player in NCAA Division I history to win national championships with two different universities (Baylor and Houston).
Q: What are L.J. Cryer's stats?
In the 2023-24 season with Houston, he averaged 15.4 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game. In his prior season at Baylor, he averaged 15.0 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 2.0 assists.
L.J. Cryer's story showcases determination and the impact of the transfer portal in modern college athletics.
Following Cryer offers a unique historical angle to watch during the NCAA Final Four.
Houston fans can rally behind a hometown talent leading their team's quest for a national title.
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Source 1: UH basketball star L.J. Cryer's love of the game started from home (ABC13 Houston) target="_blank"
Source 2: LJ Cryer’s Transfer Timeline: Pursuing NCAA Glory with Houston (BVM Sports) target="_blank"
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