As the 2025 NCAA basketball season heats up, one name keeps popping up in conversations: LJ Cryer. This Houston Cougars guard has taken the court by storm, earning accolades and turning heads with his stellar play. With the current date being March 23, 2025, Cryer’s recent performances and honors make him a standout figure in college hoops. From All-American nods to leading his team toward another championship run, his journey this year is worth diving into. Let’s explore what makes LJ Cryer the talk of the town and why fans can’t get enough of his game.
LJ Cryer’s Stellar Season So Far
This season, LJ Cryer has proven he’s more than just a scorer—he’s a leader. Playing for the Houston Cougars, he’s averaging 15.3 points per game and sinking 3.0 three-pointers per contest, shooting an impressive 42.2% from beyond the arc. His knack for taking over games has been evident all year. Just look at his 23-point outburst against his former team, Baylor, earlier this month. Even with the crowd booing, Cryer stayed cool, letting his buckets do the talking. Posts on X captured the moment perfectly, with fans noting how he silenced the noise with every shot.
Cryer’s consistency has paid off big time. On March 18, the Associated Press named him a third-team All-American, a well-deserved honor for the graduate guard. That same day, he landed on the NABC Gulf District First Team. A day later, he scooped up third-team All-American nods from both the NABC and USBWA. It’s his second straight season earning All-America recognition, a testament to his growth. Oh, and let’s not forget—he was also crowned the Big 12 Men’s Basketball Scholar-Athlete of the Year. Balancing books and ball? That’s Cryer in a nutshell.
LJ Cryer: From Baylor to Houston Hero
Cryer’s path to stardom hasn’t been a straight line—it’s a story of grit and adaptability. He started his college career at Baylor, where he was part of their 2021 national championship squad. Back then, he played a smaller role off the bench. Fast forward to 2023, and he transferred to Houston, his hometown team, after three seasons with the Bears. That move turned out to be a game-changer. Now in his fifth year of college ball, he’s the heart of the Cougars’ offense, giving life to a team that sometimes struggles to score.
His impact goes beyond stats. Teammates and coaches rave about his work ethic and leadership. Earlier this week, Houston coach Kelvin Sampson praised Cryer’s role in prepping the team for their NCAA Tournament opener against SIU Edwardsville. Cryer’s been part of four straight Big 12 title teams—two at Baylor, two at Houston—so he knows what it takes to win. Fans on X have dubbed him a “main character of March,” and with the tournament underway, he’s got a chance to prove it.
Why LJ Cryer Matters in 2025
Here’s a quick breakdown of why Cryer’s making waves this year:
- Scoring Prowess: Nine 20-point games, with Houston going 7-2 in those matchups.
- Clutch Moments: His 28-point explosion against Iowa State in February showed he thrives under pressure.
- Team Success: Houston clinched the outright Big 12 regular-season title on March 1, thanks in part to Cryer’s 1,000th career point as a Cougar.
- Recognition: Multiple All-American honors and the Big 12’s top player award from the AP.
Cryer’s not just racking up points—he’s elevating his squad. Houston’s ranked No. 2 nationally, and with the NCAA Tournament in full swing, they’re eyeing a deep run. Cryer’s ability to hit big shots could be the difference between an early exit and a championship banner.
What’s Next for the Cougars’ Star?
As March Madness unfolds, all eyes are on LJ Cryer and Houston. Their first-round win sets the stage for a potential title chase, something Cryer’s been chasing since his Baylor days. At 6-foot-1, he might not tower over opponents, but his skillset screams NBA potential. Analysts see him as a second-round pick in the 2024 draft, though his stock could climb with a strong tournament showing. For now, he’s focused on bringing a trophy to Houston—and fans are loving every minute of it.
Cryer’s journey is a mix of hometown pride, hard work, and a little swagger. Whether he’s draining threes or leading his team, he’s carving out a legacy. So, keep an eye on this guy—he’s not done yet.
Share your thoughts on LJ Cryer’s tournament run in the comments below!