Where is lj cryer now

Overview

LJ Cryer is a standout college basketball player whose journey has taken him from Katy, Texas, to becoming a key contributor for one of the nation's top programs. Born on October 23, 2001, Cryer attended Morton Ranch High School where he established himself as a prolific scorer, averaging 23.5 points per game as a senior and earning Texas Association of Basketball Coaches All-State honors. His high school performance caught the attention of major college programs, leading to his commitment to Baylor University in 2019.

Cryer's college career began at Baylor during the 2020-2021 season, where he played a reserve role on the national championship team. Over three seasons with the Bears, he developed into a reliable scoring threat, particularly from beyond the arc. Following the 2022-2023 season, Cryer entered the transfer portal and announced his commitment to the University of Houston on April 17, 2023, joining a program that had just moved to the competitive Big 12 Conference.

How It Works

Cryer's success stems from a combination of shooting prowess, basketball IQ, and adaptability within different offensive systems.

• Elite Shooting Ability: Cryer has established himself as one of college basketball's premier three-point shooters. During the 2023-2024 season at Houston, he attempted 6.2 three-pointers per game while maintaining a 38.8% success rate. His career three-point percentage across four seasons stands at 39.2%, demonstrating remarkable consistency from long range.
• Offensive Versatility: While primarily known as a shooter, Cryer has expanded his offensive repertoire to include effective mid-range scoring and improved playmaking. In the 2023-2024 season, he averaged 2.4 assists per game while maintaining a solid 1.5 assist-to-turnover ratio, showing growth in his ability to create for teammates.
• Defensive Development: Under Houston's defensive-minded coaching staff, Cryer improved significantly on the defensive end. He averaged 1.1 steals per game in 2023-2024 while learning to navigate screens and provide help defense within Houston's aggressive defensive scheme that ranked among the nation's best.
• Clutch Performance: Cryer has demonstrated the ability to perform in high-pressure situations, particularly in conference play. During the 2023-2024 season, he scored 20+ points in 8 games, including a season-high 26 points against Texas Tech on February 17, 2024, showcasing his value as a go-to scorer in critical moments.

Key Comparisons

Why It Matters

• Transfer Portal Impact: Cryer's successful transition from Baylor to Houston demonstrates the growing importance of the transfer portal in college basketball. His immediate production (15.5 PPG) at Houston shows how experienced transfers can provide instant impact for programs, with over 1,700 Division I men's basketball players entering the portal annually.
• Program Building: Cryer's addition helped Houston maintain its elite status during its first season in the Big 12 Conference. The Cougars finished the 2023-2024 season with a 32-5 record and a #1 seed in the NCAA Tournament, with Cryer's scoring providing crucial offensive balance to complement their defensive identity.
• Professional Development: Cryer's continued improvement positions him for professional opportunities after college. His shooting ability (career 39.2% from three) and experience in multiple high-level programs make him an attractive prospect for NBA teams or international leagues, following in the footsteps of recent Houston guards who have reached the professional level.

Looking forward, Cryer's final season of eligibility in 2024-2025 presents an opportunity to further cement his legacy as one of college basketball's premier guards. With his proven scoring ability and experience in high-pressure situations, he will be crucial to Houston's continued success in the competitive Big 12 Conference. His journey from reserve on a national championship team to primary scorer for another elite program demonstrates the value of development, adaptability, and seizing opportunities in modern college basketball.