Houston guard LJ Cryer has been nothing short of electric in this year’s NCAA Tournament. A steady scoring presence throughout the regular season, Cryer has taken his game to another level when it’s mattered most, delivering elite shooting performances that have helped propel the Houston Cougars to the Final Four. As Houston prepares for a highly anticipated showdown against Duke this Saturday, the spotlight will once again be on Cryer—a player whose smooth shooting stroke and unflappable demeanor have become a cornerstone of the Cougars’ deep tournament run.
From the opening tip of March Madness, Cryer has shown he’s built for this moment. With defenses keying in on Houston’s physicality and suffocating defense, Cryer has provided the offensive firepower that has often tipped the scales. He’s been a nightmare for opposing defenders, slipping through screens, finding space beyond the arc, and punishing any lapse with a quick release and pure shooting form. The numbers only tell part of the story, but they are impressive. Cryer has averaged over 20 points per game during the tournament, shooting at a blistering clip from three-point range, often burying timely shots that either sparked runs or halted opponents’ momentum.
What sets Cryer apart isn’t just his ability to score, but the confidence and composure with which he does it. Whether it’s a deep pull-up three or a contested jumper with the shot clock winding down, Cryer makes difficult shots look routine. His poise in high-pressure moments has been a huge asset for a Houston team that thrives on grit and defensive intensity but has often relied on Cryer’s scoring to tip the balance on the offensive end. Against teams with elite offensive weapons, Cryer’s shot-making has helped Houston keep pace and often outlast their opponents.
Take, for instance, his performance in the Sweet 16. Cryer poured in 27 points, going 6-for-10 from beyond the arc, torching a defense that had prided itself on perimeter containment all season. His off-ball movement, quick decision-making, and efficient shot selection allowed Houston to break down a well-organized defensive scheme. Cryer was relentless, playing with the kind of rhythm and swagger that only comes from hours of preparation and a deep belief in one’s game.
In the Elite Eight, he was once again a steadying force. Even as the pace of the game fluctuated and momentum shifted back and forth, Cryer never looked rattled. He finished with 22 points, hitting big shot after big shot, including a momentum-swinging three with under four minutes left that pushed Houston’s lead back to two possessions and effectively sealed the game. Every tournament needs heroes, and for Houston, Cryer has stepped into that role with cool confidence and elite execution.
Part of what makes Cryer’s performance so special is the context in which it’s occurring. The NCAA Tournament is notorious for its unpredictability. Defensive pressure tightens, scouting reports are thorough, and teams zero in on primary threats. And yet, Cryer has found ways to consistently get clean looks and convert them. That’s a testament not only to his skill, but to his basketball IQ and ability to read the game in real-time. Whether it’s recognizing how a defender fights through a screen or exploiting a momentary lapse in defensive rotation, Cryer knows exactly when and where to strike.
It also speaks to the trust his teammates and coaches have in him. Kelvin Sampson, a coach known for his defensive emphasis and demanding approach, has given Cryer the green light. And Cryer has rewarded that trust by delivering night after night. In the biggest games of the season, Cryer’s shooting has been a stabilizing force, allowing Houston to execute its game plan with balance and confidence. While the Cougars rely heavily on their defense to set the tone, Cryer’s offense is the spark that lights the fire.
Cryer’s journey to this moment hasn’t been linear. A transfer from Baylor, he arrived at Houston with the reputation of being a scorer, but questions lingered about whether he could take the reins in big moments or whether he’d fit seamlessly into a Houston team that prides itself on toughness and defensive tenacity. But those doubts have been resoundingly answered. Cryer has not only fit in—he’s flourished, becoming the go-to scorer on a team with Final Four aspirations and now, a legitimate shot at a national title.
What’s most striking about Cryer’s tournament run is how he’s elevated his game without forcing the issue. He hasn’t hunted shots or played outside of the system. Instead, he’s taken what the defense gives him and made the most of every opportunity. That level of discipline and efficiency is rare, especially under the bright lights of March Madness. His shot selection has been impeccable, and he’s operated with the precision of a seasoned veteran, understanding when to assert himself and when to keep the ball moving.
Now, Cryer and the Cougars face one of their toughest challenges yet: the Duke Blue Devils. With a roster full of length, athleticism, and blue-chip talent, Duke represents a different kind of test. The matchup is a compelling contrast of styles—Houston’s relentless defense and disciplined execution against Duke’s high-powered offense and size advantage. In a game where every possession will matter, Cryer’s ability to create offense could be the difference between advancing to the national championship game or watching from the sidelines.
Against Duke, expect Cryer to once again be at the center of Houston’s offensive attack. He’ll be tasked with navigating through switch-heavy defenses, aggressive closeouts, and possibly even double-teams. But if his tournament so far is any indication, he’s ready for the moment. The way he moves without the ball, finds space, and rises quickly into his jumper makes him a threat that even elite defenses struggle to neutralize. If Duke tries to overplay him, he has the ball-handling skills to put the ball on the deck and get to his mid-range spots. If they sag off or give him any daylight, he’ll punish them from three.
And it’s not just about scoring. Cryer’s presence on the court changes the geometry of the game. His shooting forces defenses to stretch, creating more driving lanes for his teammates and opening up opportunities for offensive rebounds—something Houston thrives on. His gravity as a shooter makes the Cougars harder to guard and gives players like Jamal Shead and J’Wan Roberts more room to operate.
In a tournament defined by grit, intensity, and unpredictability, Cryer’s steady shooting hand has been a source of clarity. He’s given Houston a consistent offensive identity, one built on smart decisions, efficient execution, and the ability to make big plays in big moments. And as the Cougars prepare to face Duke in a Final Four matchup that promises to be full of fireworks, Cryer stands as their most dangerous weapon.
This is what March is all about—players rising to the occasion, stories being written in real time, and moments that will be remembered long after the nets are cut down. For LJ Cryer, this tournament has been a showcase of all he brings to the table: skill, poise, leadership, and an unmatched ability to knock down the big shot. Whether or not Houston cuts down the nets when it’s all said and done, Cryer’s performances have already etched his name into the lore of this year’s madness.
And yet, something about the way he’s played suggests he’s not finished. Not yet. This Saturday, all eyes will be on Cryer and the Coogs. If history is any indicator, he won’t just show up—he’ll shine.