Baylor guard LJ Cryer receives interest from 13 major DI programs in first hour in NCAA transfer portal

IMG_0985by:Griffin McVeigh04/05/23

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While there have been a few big names entering the NCAA transfer portal, LJ Cryer will have some of the biggest name recognition. The Katy (TX) Morton Ranch product has excelled during his time at Baylor with head coach Scott Drew. Cryer has been a scoring machine and would instantly boost any program’s offensive ceiling.

Having All-Big 12 honors and even a national championship under his belt, the moment Cryer announced he would be leaving Waco, you knew his recruitment would be hectic.

Per On3’s Jamie Shaw, Cryer officially hit the portal around 10 a.m. ET. Since then, Cryer has spoken with On3’s Joe Tipton and revealed these schools 13 schools have reached out to him. To no surprise, the former Baylor guard is a popular man.

Cryer was one of the top scorers in the country this past season, averaging 15 points per game. He shot 45.3% from the field and an impressive 41.5% from the three-point line. There will surely be more schools to reach out to the All-Big 12 third-team performer. But whoever is able to land the guard will be adding elite production to the roster.

Rival Big 12, in-state schools reaching out to LJ Cryer

If you’re Baylor, seeing Cryer leave for another conference foe would likely sting the most. Especially those you would be competing against for a Big 12 championship. According to the list Cryer provided Tipton, three of the best will be in the hunt.

Kansas State might be the most interesting of the trio, with head coach Jermone Tang having a prior relationship with Cryer. Tang was brought to the Little Apple via Baylor, being a long-time assistant coach under Drew. Cryer will have the most familiarity with Tang compared to the other coaches reaching out.

Sunflower State rival Kansas is unsurprisingly attempting to land one of the country’s best, as is Rodney Terry at Texas. Both earned a Big 12 championship this season and will be looking to repeat. Cryer, already having Big 12 experience, would help the process quite nicely.

Two others from the state of Texas will come after Cryer as well, who is originally from the Houston area. Kelvin Sampson and the Cougars will be looking to reload. Adding a hometown product such as Cryer would be a great way to replace Marcus Sasser. Buzz Williams has rebuilt the Texas A&M program and has been active in the portal as well.

On3 recruiting expert Jamie Shaw provided more information on Cryer’s recruitment here. It’s just getting started and expected to be a battle until the end.