SAN ANTONIO — Having already tasted the sweet success of a national championship during his freshman year at Baylor, LJ Cryer is on the verge of making history once more. This time, as the leading scorer for Houston, Cryer seeks to claim another NCAA title. The Cougars will square off against Florida in the national championship game on Monday night, with Cryer poised to become the first collegiate player to secure titles at two different schools—minus the surreal atmosphere that accompanied the 2021 season marked by COVID-19 restrictions.
“Winning again would be something truly special,” remarked Cryer on Sunday, less than a day after his team mounted an impressive comeback against Duke in the semifinals. “Nothing in this world is handed over effortlessly; you have to go and earn it on your own terms.”
Cryer is one of three athletes competing at the revered Alamodome with prior Final Four experience from other schools. Mason Gillis from Duke appeared after contributing to Purdue’s run to last year’s championship game, with Florida’s Alijah Martin having played for Florida Atlantic in the 2023 semifinals. But it was Cryer’s Baylor team that clinched the championship, a journey that saw them demolish Houston—ironically, the team Cryer now leads—and later Gonzaga. Despite his limited playing time that season, featuring in only three tournament games, his eyes were opened to the elements needed to achieve basketball greatness.
The 6-foot-1 senior spent two more seasons at Baylor before transferring to Houston, seeking a new opportunity and a different offensive role within the Texas borders. Cryer has risen as the top scorer this season, averaging 15.6 points per game. His contributions were pivotal in the NCAA tournament, most notably when he scored 30 points against Gonzaga in a gripping second-round match. This was followed by a spectacular performance against Duke, where his 26 points, complete with six successful three-pointers, kept Houston competitive.
“LJ is unquestionably our standout leader, especially during tough stretches,” shared Houston forward Joseph Tugler. “With him on our side, there’s little to fear.”
Cryer caught the attention of Houston’s coach, Kelvin Sampson, during his high school days in Katy. Known then for his scoring prowess as a smaller guard, Cryer’s performance against Duke exemplified his skill as he faced off against a team whose primary rotation boasted players 6-foot-5 or taller.
“LJ was our savior, the one who kept us in contention throughout,” Coach Sampson commented. “When Duke was within our reach and we needed to apply pressure, LJ was the go-to guy.”
Whatever happens in the final, Cryer will finally enjoy the unrestrained experience of competing for a national title. Reflecting on the unprecedented challenges of 2021—with constant testing, restricted venues, and sequestered stays—Sampson laments the loss of a genuine championship atmosphere. “Testing was mandatory before every outing,” he recalls, likening the experience to a prison yard, as players were given limited time in a confined space.
Cryer vividly remembers those constraints. “We stayed confined to that one spot. Our outdoor time was limited to a half-hour, like a recess for relief. It was an altogether different experience.”
Now, enjoying a prominent role in this year’s NCAA excitement as he quests for a second title, Cryer reflects on the dynamics of player movements through transfer options. “If anyone else wins, I sincerely hope they remain loyal to their school,” Cryer said with a light-hearted laugh. “I genuinely wish for players to achieve success where they are; no need to transfer just to grab a ring.
“Of course, it’s thrilling to make history across two schools, but if it were possible, I’d have preferred winning at the same place. Still, my journey is uniquely mine.”